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REESE    LIBRARY 


JNIVERSITY'OF   CALIFORNIA. 

Received...      J>^&«^^  iS8^L 


Accessions  No.  3-*^  &  &£         Shelf  No. 


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MEMOIR 


OF 


MRS.    CATHARINE    M.   DIMMICK. 


BY  L.  F.  DIMMICK, 


PA8TOR   OFJ*^   NORTEC   CHU, 

t    LfD 


EWBURYPORT. 


'UNIVERSIT 


1  Life  makes  the  soul  dependent  on  the  dust ; 
Death  gives  her  wings  to  mount  above  the  spheres. 


BOSTON : 

PUBLISHED    BY    T.    R.    MARVIN. 

1846. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1846, 

By  T.  R.  Marvin, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


TO 

OF    THE 

NORTH  CHURCH  AND ,  SgCIE^Y,  NEWBURYPORT, 

THIS    MEMOIR 

IS    RESPECTFULLY    INSCRIBED, 

BY 

THE    AUTHOB, 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    I. 

Introductory  Remarks  —  Her  Birth  and  Parentage  —  Early 
Developements  of  Character  —  Death  of  her  Father  — 
Mother  —  The  Breaking  up  of  the  Family,  and  her  resi- 
dence with  her  Uncle —  Her  School — Change  of  residence,        9 

CHAPTER     II. 

Her  Baptism  —  Early  Religious  Impressions  —  Conversion 
—  Public  Profession  of  Religion  —  Private  Covenant  with 
God  —  Her  Pastor's  Death  —  The  Active  Character  of  her 
Religion  —  Spheres  in  which  she  particularly  endeavored 
to  be  useful  — Her  School  — The  Family  — The  Sabbath 
School  —  Visits  to  the  Aims-House, 16 

CHAPTER    III. 

Passages  from  her  Journal,  1813—1820,        ....       37 

CHAPTER    IV. 

Her  Marriage  —  The  Views  with  which  she  entered  on  the 
duties  of  her  new  station, 77 

CHAPTER    V. 

The  province  of  "Woman  —  Mrs.  Dimmick's  domestic  vir- 
tues—  Her  special  qualifications  for  a  Clergyman's  Wife,       82 


8  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    VI. 

Passages  from  her  Journal,  1820—1829,         .        ...      99 

CHAPTER    VII. 

Her  Love  to  her  Kindred  —  Reference  to  her  Letters  to  her 
Brother  —  Her  Sister's  sickness  and  death,         .         .        .     122 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

A  Journey  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1829  —  Extracts 
from  Letters  to  her  Husband  during  his  absence  in  1830,     131 

CHAPTER    IX. 

Extracts  of  Letters  to  a  Hesitating  Inquirer  —  Some  further 
Letters  on  kindred  subjects,       <*„,.,     149 

CHAPTER    X. 

A  severe  Sickness  in  1831  — The  Death  of  her  last  Sister 
—  Her  notices  of  Revivals  of  Religion  in  1831,  and  sub- 
sequently,   159 

CHAPTER    XI. 
Family  Letters  —  Letters  to  other  Friends,  .        ,        .        .     166 

CHAPTER    XII. 

Her  last  Sickness  and  Death  —  Her  Character  —  Tributes  to 
her  Memory, 189 


MEMOIR 


CHAPTER    I. 

Introductory  Remarks  — Her  Birth  and  Parentage — Early  Developements 
of  Character — Death  of  her  Father  —  Mother  — The  Breaking  up  of  the 
Family,  and  her  Residence  with  her  Uncle— Her  School  —  Change  of 
Residence. 

A  human  being  is  an  existence  of  great  value,  "  cre- 
ated in  the  image  of  God."  It  is  appointed  to  act  a  great 
part ;  to  enter  into  the  views  and  plans  of  God,  and 
labor  to  promote  them  ;  and  when  it  shall  have  accom- 
plished its  work,  and  shall  receive  in  the  en(J,  from  the 
sovereign  Judge,  the  plaudit,  "  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things, 
I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  ;  enter  thou  into 
the  joy  of  thy  Lord;"  it  will  have  attained  to  a  great  end. 
It  is  difficult  to  write  of  such  an  existence,  and  write 
worthily  ;  tracing  from  the  beginning  its  developement ; 
the  impediments  it  has  encountered ;  the  temptations  it 
has  resisted  ;  the  providences  of  God  which  have  favored 
it;  the  grace  that  has  saved  it;  the  manner  in  which  it 
has  performed  its  duties,  borne  its  burdens,  met  its 
last  conflict,  and  passed  away  to  immortality.  Even  the 
2 


10  MEMOIR. 

first  openings  of  such  an  existence,  have  interest.  The 
bud  contains  in  it  a  correspondence  to  the  flower,  the 
fruit ;  the  germ,  to  the  tree.  At  the  close,  when  the  part 
appointed  has  been  acted  well,  angels  admire  ;  and  fellow 
mortals  may  ponder  with  profit  and  with  praise. 

The  subject  of  the  following  Memoir,  Miss  Catharine 
Mather  Marvin,  was  born  in  the  city  of  Norwich,  Ct., 
January  27,  1793.  Her  parents  were  Elihu  and  Eliza- 
beth Marvin. 

Catharine  was  the  youngest  of  five  daughters.  The 
children  were  six  in  number,  and  all  daughters,  except 
the  last.  In  childhood,  according  to  the  accounts  given 
by  herself  and  her  sisters,  she  had  a  slender  consti- 
tution. Great  care  was  requisite  in  protecting  and 
nurturing  so  frail  a  plant,  to  rear  it  up  to  maturity.  Still 
she  was  sprightly.  The  mental  developement  was  much 
in  advance  of  the  physical.  She  was  intellectual,  fond  of 
reading,  loved  poetry,  and  showed  a  lively  imagination. 
With  these  traits  of  character,  — though  the  delicacy  of  her 
health  deprived  her  of  some  of  the  advantages  of  the 
schools  during  her  early  years,  her  nature  needing 
sedatives  rather  than  stimulants, — she  made  good  profi- 
ciency in  knowledge.  Her  education  was  extensively  a 
home  education,  and,  more  than  is  usually  the  case,  a  self- 
education.  A  native  thirst  for  knowledge  quickened 
research,  and  rendered  its  acquisition  easy.  She  was 
ardent  in  her  attachments,  and  dutiful. 

At  the  age  of  a  little  more  than  five  years,  she  lost  her 
father.  His  place  was  supplied  to  the  family,  in  part, 
by  Mrs.  Marvin's  father,  Dr.  Theophilus  Rogers,  for 
about  three  years,  till  his  death.  At  the  age  of  a  little 
less  than  sixteen,  she  lost  her  mother,  and  was  thus  left 
entirely  an  orphan. 


MEMOIR.  11 

Her  father  had  been  connected  with  the  patriotic  army 
of  the  Revolution,  in  which  he  had  held  a  commission. 
He  was  a  physician  by  profession,  and  highly  respected  as 
a  medical  practitioner,  and  also  for  the  general  excellences 
of  his  character.  The  following  tribute  was  paid  to  his 
worth  by  a  cotemporary  fellow-citizen  at  the  time  of  his 
decease.  "  September  13,  1798.  Departed  this  life,  on 
Friday  morning,  in  the  forty-fifth  year  of  his  age,  of  the 
yellow  fever,  General  Elihu  Marvin,  whose  enlightened 
understanding,  whose  philanthropic  heart,  whose  pure 
principles,  whose  regular  deportment  and  domestic  vir- 
tues, distinguished  his  character.  While  society  regret 
his  loss  as  a  citizen,  all  his  acquaintances  lament  a  friend. 
Though  misfortune  had  shaded  his  life,  it  had  not  stained 
his  integrity.  He  had  improved  by  its  painful  instruction, 
and  fell  at  a  moment  when  prosperity  was  dawning  upon 
him." 

Her  grandfather  was  also  a  physician,  residing  in  Nor- 
wich. The  following  notice  of  his  decease,  appeared  in 
the  papers  of  the  day.  "  September  24,  1801.  Departed 
this  life  on  Thursday  last,  after  a  long  and  distressing 
sickness,  Dr.  Theophilus  Rogers,  aged  70.  Through  the 
course  of  a  long  life  devoted  to  the  good  of  mankind  in 
the  practice  of  physic,  he  uniformly  merited  the  character 
of  an  honest  man,  a  valuable  citizen,  an  eminent  physi- 
cian ;  his  death  is  sensibly  felt,  and  universally  regretted 
by  his  friends  and  the  public  in  general." 

Her  mother  was  originally  Elizabeth  Rogers,  daugh- 
ter of  Dr.  Theophilus  Rogers,  and  a  descendant,  like 
others  of  that  name  in  this  country,  from  John  Rogers 
the  martyr.  She  was  "  a  woman  of  a  strong  mind," 
"  amiable  and  universally  beloved  by  her  acquaintances," 
during  the  latter  part  of  her  life  a  professed  Christian, 
and  "  walked  worthy  of  her  vocation." 


12  MEMOIR. 

Miss  Marvin  was  also,  by  her  father's  side,  a  descend- 
ant of  the  Mather  family  of  Dorchester ;  in  recognition  of 
which  was  her  middle  name,  Mather. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  her  mother — the  first  of  February 
following — the  family  was  broken  up,  and  Catharine  was 
received  into  the  family  of  an  uncle,  Benjamin  Snow, 
Esq.,  of  Norwich,  who  discharged  the  office  of  guardian 
to  her  in  a  kind,  honorable,  and  faithful  manner.  Inherit- 
ing but  little  patrimony,  she  was  of  necessity,  even  at  this 
early  age,  thrown,  in  no  inconsiderable  degree,  upon 
her  own  resources.  This,  however,  instead  of  being  an 
injury,  was  of  use  to  her,  teaching  her,  from  the  be- 
ginning of  active  life,  to  depend  much  on  herself,  and 
aiding,  doubtless,  to  form  the  character  which  she  after- 
wards exhibited.  Some  spirits  are  crushed  by  difficulties 
and  responsibilities.  Others  make  them  a  means  of  de- 
velopement  and  maturity. 

Of  her  residence  in  the  family  of  her  uncle  and  guard- 
ian, he  himself  gives  the  following  testimony.  "  Catharine 
commenced  her  residence  in  my  family  at  the  age  of 
sixteen  years,  and  continued  eight  years  with  us,  without 
a  blemish  in  her  deportment.  She  was  truly  amiable, 
always  kind  and  affectionate  to  all  the  inmates  of  the 
family.  She  was  remarkable  for  accomplishing  much  in 
a  little  time.  She  was  never  known  to  be  idle.  When 
reading,  her  hands  would  often  be  employed  in  some  other 
avocation,  such  as  could  be  pursued  while  mental 
improvement  was  the  main  object.  In  this  way  she 
early  read  Rollin's  Ancient  History,  and  many  other 
works." 

Miss  Marvin  ever  retained  a  grateful  recollection  of  the 
kindness  received  from  the  family  of  her  uncle.  Thirty 
years  afterward,  June  13,  1842,  she  says :  "  I  have  many 
tender  feelings  towards  them.     A  very  important  part  of 


MEMOIR.  13 

my  earthly  pilgrimage  was  spent  beneath  their  roof.  I 
can  never  forget  it.  It  lies,  indeed,  far  back  in  the  dis- 
tance ;  yet  I  often,  through  the  vista  of  the  years  that 
have  rolled  away,  catch  many  a  scene  most  vividly." 

The  incipient  endeavors  of  human  beings  to  take  care 
of  themselves,  however  feeble,  are  fraught  with  interest,  as 
indicative  of  character,  and  as  the  first  in  a  train  of  re- 
sults, by  which  the  value  of  life  itself  is  to  be  estimated. 
In  this  view,  Miss  Marvin's  first  essay  is  not  unworthy  to 
be  noticed. 

At  the  age  of  a  little  less  than  seventeen,  in  the  autumn 
of  1809,  she  opened  a  select  school  for  young  misses. 
This  she  did,  not  simply  for  the  pecuniary  consideration, 
though  there  was  occasion  for  it  on  that  account.  But  it 
was  congenial  to  her  nature,  and  accorded  with  the  gene- 
ral energy  of  her  character,  to  be  active  in  some  employ- 
ment. In  this  school,  of  her  own  gathering,  she  con- 
tinued till  the  autumn  of  1815,  about  six  years.  Not 
much  has  been  learned  in  regard  to  her  methods  of  in- 
struction ;  nor  is  it  known  that  there  was  any  thing  very 
peculiar  in  her  proceeding.  She  had  the  talent  of 
awakening,  eminently,  in  her  scholars,  interest  in  their 
pursuits.  Numbers  of  them  continued  with  her  through 
several  years.  Mrs.  S.  L.  Smith,  who  died  in  connection 
with  the  Palestine  mission  a  few  years  since,  was  one  of 
her  pupils.  "  She  was  in  the  habit,"  says  one  who  be- 
longed to  the  number,  "  of  giving  an  address  to  her 
scholars,  every  Saturday,  in  which  the  deportment  of  each 
during  the  week  was  noticed,  in  such  a  way  as  to  correct 
their  faults,  and  encourage  every  effort  they  had  made  for 
improvement."  In  general,  she  discharged  the  duties  of 
a  teacher,  says  one,  "  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
parents  and  friends  of  the  scholars,"  and  in  a  manner 
"  highly  approved  by  the  public  at  large."  A  friend  has 
2* 


14  MEMOIR. 

mentioned  some  of  her  habits  at  this  time,  particu- 
larly the  habit  of  early  rising.  Even  in  the  winter  she 
rose  often  at  four  o'clock  for  reading  and  study.  This 
she  did,  that  she  might  more  thoroughly  prepare  herself 
for  teaching ;  adding  to  her  other  efforts  prayer  for  suc- 
cess, and  for  the  moral  qualifications  which  she  felt  to  be 
needful. 

She  remembered  her  labors  among  her  "little  friends," 
as  she  sometimes  called  her  pupils,  with  deep  interest 
through  her  whole  subsequent  life.  She  loved  to  follow 
them  in  their  various  ways,  and  hear  of  their  pros- 
perity ;  and  especially  did  it  give  her  joy  to  learn  of  any 
of  them,  that  they  had  "  chosen  the  good  part,"  and  were 
devoting  their  lives  to  Christ,  and  to  usefulness  in  the 
world.  She  would  think,  in  regard  to  such,  that  perhaps 
her  own  early  endeavors  had  constituted  at  least  a  particle 
of  the  influence  which  had  led  to  the  joyful  result ;  and 
it  was  a  high  satisfaction.  In  a  letter  to  a  friend,  Nov. 
18,  1829,  she  says,  "  On  looking  back,  I  can  see  that 
many  of  the  dear  children  who  were  once  my  pupils, 
have  become,  as  is  hoped,  the  children  of  God.  I  dare 
trace  no  connection  between  the  two  things  ;  but  it  is  a 
sweet  thought,  that  it  is  so — that  they  have  become  recon- 
ciled to  God  through  the  blood  of  his  Son."  Would  that 
young  ladies,  more  extensively,  would  see  in  the  business 
of  teaching,  an  employment  of  high  honor  and  utility. 
Faithfully  performed,  it  will  yield  pleasure  through  subse- 
quent life,  and  eternal  consequences  of  peace  and  joy. 
To  benefit  the  minds  which  God  has  made,  is  to  do  a 
work  for  immortality. 

In  the  spring  of  1815,  Miss  Marvin  became  a  resident 
in  the  family  of  Richard  Adams,  Esq.,  of  Norwich,  as  a 
companion  to  Mrs.  Adams,  and  an  assistant  to  her,  par- 
ticularly in  the  care  and  education  of  her  children,  some 


MEMOIR. 


15 


of  whom  had  been  her  pupils.  In  a  short  time  she  relin- 
quished her  school,  that  she  might  give  her  undivided 
attention  to  the  new  duties  she  had  assumed.  In  this 
situation  she  continued  till  her  marriage,  in  the  spring  of 
1820.  Of  this  period,  a  letter  from  a  member  of  the 
family  says,  "  To  the  children  she  was  ever  kind  and 
attentive ;  at  the  same  time  she  was  a  beloved  com- 
panion to  all  the  older  members  of  the  household." 

To  Mrs.  Adams  she  afterwards  wrote,  Aug.  27,  1820, 
"  I  shall  never  cease  to  feel  an  interest  in  you  and  your 
family,  as  I  must  ever  with  gratitude  recollect  numerous 
favors  and  kindnesses  received  from  you."  And  again, 
Sept.  4, 1821 :  "My  obligation  to  you  for  many  kindnesses 
does  not  diminish  at  all  in  my  esteem  since  I  have  been 
favored  by  a  good  Providence  with  a  home  of  my  own." 


CHAPTER   II. 

Her  Baptism  —  Early  Religious  Impressions  — Conversion  —  Public  Pro- 
fession of  Religion  —  Private  Covenant  with  God  —  Her  Pastor's  Death 
—  The  Active  Character  of  her  Religion  —  Spheres  in  which  she  par- 
ticularly endeavored  to  be  useful — Her  School  —  The  Family  —  The 
Sabbath  School  —  Visits  to  the  Aims-House. 

The  various  discipline  with  which  Miss  Marvin 
had  been  exercised,  had  not  been  in  vain  in  regard 
to  her  spiritual  interests.  Devoted  to  God  in  baptism  a 
little  after  her  father's  death,  her  mother  then  first  be- 
coming a  communicant  in  the  church,*  she  was  carefully 
instructed  in  the  principles  and  duties  of  Christianity. 
She  remembered  her  baptism  with  interest,  and  looked, 
ever  after,  upon  the  sanctuary  where  it  was  performed, 
and  the  pastor  who  performed  it,  as  sustaining  a  relation 
to  her  of  additional  sacredness  on  this  account.  Twelve 
or  fourteen  years  afterwards,  in  describing  a  landscape 
spread  out  before  her,  she  says,  "  More  remotely  is 
a  pleasant  part  of  the  town,  which,  among  other  objects 
of  interest,  presents  the  spire  of  the  church,  where, 
I  well  remember,  I  was  dedicated  to  God  in  baptism." 
The  whole  scene  was  frequently  present  with  her,  and 
was  a  token  to  her  of  what  she  ought  to  be.     It  had  left 

*  The  First  church  in  Norwich,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev. 
Joseph  Strong,  D.  D. 


MEMOIR.  17 

an  impression  upon  her  mind,  which  was  never  effaced. 
"  From  early  childhood  she  was  the  subject  of  frequent 
religious  impressions."  Her  religious  susceptibilities 
seem  to  have  been,  from  the  beginning,  greater  than  most 
possess.  Conscience,  in  her  bosom,  was  peculiarly  alive, 
and  faithful  to  discharge  its  office. 

Still  she  does  not  appear  to  have  become  truly  a  disci- 
ple of  Christ,  and  to  have  commenced,  in  reality,  living 
on  the  principles  of  the  gospel,  till  about  the  age  of  nine- 
teen. Some  account  of  the  change  which  then  took 
place  in  her  views  and  feelings,  may  best  be  given  in  her 
own  language,  as  recorded  at  the  time. 

It  may  here  be  premised,  that  her  observing  turn  of 
mind,  and  the  more  serious  views  she  had  begun  to  en- 
tertain, led  her,  about  this  time,  to  commence  a  brief 
journal,  in  which  she  noticed,  not  always  from  day  to  day, 
but  for  the  most  part  only  occasionally,  events  that  inte- 
rested her,  and  sometimes  recorded  her  own  religious 
feelings  in  connection  with  them.  Prefixed  to  this  journal 
is  an  extract  from  Foster,  the  sentiment  of  which,  leading 
the  mind  to  view  life  in  connection  with  the  life  to  come, 
she  appears  to  have  adopted  as  her  own,  and,  judging  it 
the  foundation  of  all  right  living,  to  have  resolved  to  make 
it  the  basis  of  her  own  practice.  "  While  I  anticipate 
the  endless  progress  of  life,"  the  extract  is,  "  and  wonder 
through  what  unknown  scenes  it  is  to  take  its  course,  its 
past  years  lose  that  character  of  vanity  which  would  seem 
to  belong  to  a  train  of  fleeting,  perishing  moments,  and  I 
see  them  assuming  the  dignity  of  a  commencing  eternity. 
In  them  I  have  begun  to  be  that  conscious  existence 
which  I  am  to  be  through  infinite  duration  ;  and  I  feel  a 
strange  emotion  of  curiosity  about  this  little  life  in  which 
I  am  setting  out  on  such  a  progress  ;  I  cannot  be  content 
without  an  accurate  sketch  of  the  windings  thus  far  of  a 


18  MEMOIR. 

stream,  which  is  to  bear  me  on  for  ever.  I  try  to  imagine 
how  it  will  be  to  recollect,  at  a  far  distant  point  of  my 
era,  what  I  was  when  here ;  and  I  wish,  if  it  were  possi- 
ble, to  retain,  as  I  advance,  the  whole  course  of  my  ex- 
istence within  the  scope  of  clear  reflection  ;  to  fix  in  my 
mind  so  very  strong  an  idea  of  what  I  have  been  in  this 
original  period  of  my  time,  that  I  shall  most  completely 
possess  this  idea  in  ages  too  remote  for  calculation." 
This,  all  will  perceive,  is  a  comprehensive  view  of  human 
life.  We  admire  the  mind  that  conceived  it.  Nor  is  the 
intelligent  and  sincere  adoption  of  it  by  another,  wholly 
unworthy  of  commendation. 

The  record  of  the  change  in  Miss  Marvin's  religious 
views  and  feelings,  above  alluded  to,  is  as  follows : 

"Aug.  20,  1812.  I  hope  that  within  a  few  weeks  my 
heart  has  been  in  some  measure  rightly  affected  with 
spiritual  and  divine  things.  I  hope  I  have  seen  the  true 
excellency  of  the  gospel,  and  embraced  it  as  a  system  of 
salvation  for  the  perishing,  and  as  what  I  approve  and 
love.  Forever  blessed  be  that  Saviour  who  has  called 
me  to  love  and  serve  him  !  Forever  blessed  be  that 
Spirit  who  hath  quickened  me  to  obey  the  call ! 

"  I  cannot  but  mourn  at  the  retrospect  of  my  past  life. 
I  have  always  felt  religion  to  be  the  only  safety,  and  the 
only  solid  happiness  of  human  beings.  I  have  always 
felt  the  commands  of  God  to  be  reasonable,  and  obedience 
to  them  proper.  Yet  after  all,  the  love  of  sin,  and  the 
love  of  the  world,  have  borne  the  sway  alike  over  the 
convictions  of  the  understanding  and  the  conscience,  and 
completely  controlled  my  heart.  For  several  months  past, 
however,  I  have  felt  a  peculiar  dissatisfaction  at  remaining 
in  such  a  state.  As  I  now  look  back  upon  these  months, 
I  seem  to  have  been  calmly  surveying  my  want  of  wisdom, 


MEMOIR.  19 

my  exceeding  folly.  There  has  been  in  my  mind  a 
kind  of  restlessness,  which  forbade  the  low  sort  of  happi- 
ness I  had  hitherto  found  in  the  things  of  the  world.  I 
was  not  conscious  at  the  time  of  the  operations  of  an 
unseen  and  divine  Agent  on  my  heart,  persuading  me 
«  to  forsake  the  foolish  and  live.'  At  this  time  I  had  not 
the  deep  conviction  which  I  have  since  felt.  But  my 
feelings  of  unhappiness  increased  from  time  to  time,  until 
I  was  compelled  to  ask  with  anxiety,  ■  What  shall  I  do  to 
be  saved  1 '  The  result  is,  God,  I  trust,  has  graciously 
brought  me  to  himself.  The  praise  is  forever  His.  May 
it  be  forever  rendered,  from  a  grateful  and  adoring  heart. 
And  may  every  successive  period  of  life  witness  that  it  is 
his  work,  and  show  him  glorified  thereby. 

"  I  was  aided  in  my  inquiries  by  a  similar  state  of  mind 
in  my  beloved  friend  and  cousin  C.  [a  young  lady  just 
about  her  age,  and  in  the  same  family  with  herself]  ;  by 
the  care  of  our  faithful  minister  over  our  souls ;  and  by 
the  awaking  of  Christian  friends  to  efforts  for  our  salva- 
tion." 

There  was  no  general  seriousness  in  the  place.  These 
two,  at  such  a  time,  "  inquiring  the  way  to  Zion,  with 
their  faces  thitherward,"  attracted  attention,  and  exerted  a 
quickening  influence  on  beholders,  showing  the  presence 
of  the  Spirit  of  grace. 

Such  was  the  beginning  of  Miss  Marvin's  religious  life. 
And  was  it  not  a  beginning  consonant  alike  to  reason  and 
to  Scripture  ?  Here  is  no  mere  working  of  the  passions  ; 
no  sudden  impulse  ;  nothing  visionary.  All  is  indicative 
of  a  heathful  mind,  deliberate,  and  disclosing  much 
reflection.  There  was  a  turning  of  her  eye  inward  upon 
herself,  and  a  comparing  herself  with  the  grand  system  of 
truth  contained  in  God's  word  ;  a  discovery  that  she  was 


20  MEMOIR. 

not  what  that  word  requires ;  that  judged  by  it  she  was 
"  found  wanting,"  and  could  not  stand  ;  that  she  had  not 
within  herself  the  dispositions  requisite  to  true  happiness 
— the  fountain  was  not  there  ;  in  a  word,  that  in  her- 
self she  was  sinful  and  lost ;  and  that  hope  could  come 
to  her  only  through  the  interposition  of  unmerited  grace 
—  a  Saviour;  a  Saviour,  to  pardon  the  guilty,  to  cleanse 
and  deliver  from  sin,  to  open  to  the  needy  and  perishing 
sources  of  peace  and  life.  This  Saviour  she  found  in 
Jesus,  as  millions  of  others  have  done,  and  in  Him 
"  rejoiced  with  exceeding  great  joy." 

The  silent  manner  in  which  Miss  Marvin  was  brought 
to  reflection,  and  led  along  in  the  path  of  inquiry,  uncon- 
scious and  unapprehensive  of  any  divine  agency  or  influ- 
ence, till  the  result  was  realized,  is  a  striking  illustration 
of  the  teachings  of  the  Scriptures  on  this  subject.  "  The 
wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound 
thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither 
it  goeth  :  so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit."  The 
gentle  breathings  of  the  Spirit  are  often  not  recognized — 
though  new  thoughts  are  awakened,  and  new  apprehen- 
sions are  felt,  yet  whence  they  come  is  not  considered — 
till  the  new  life  is  actually  commenced  in  the  soul.  Then 
the  Author  of  the  work  is  known.  "  It  is  the  Spirit 
that  quickeneth,"  and  to  Him  is  rendered  the  praise. 

A  short  passage  in  a  letter  to  her  from  an  elder  sister, 
about  this  time,  July  20,  1812.  is  not  without  interest  in 
this  connection.  "  The  observations  made  last  evening 
by  my  tenderly  beloved  Catharine,  excited  my  attention 
and  desire  to  know  if  she  is  seeking  the  truth.  O  my 
sister,  if  this  be  the  case,  why  hesitate  to  converse  freely 
with  those  whose  hearts  throb  in  unison  with  every 
feeling  of  your  own  ? — I  mean  your  sisters.  I  have 
thought  more  of  you   this  summer  than  usual.     I  have  at 


MEMOIR.  21 

times  reflected  on  you  with  pleasure,  and  with  pain :  with 
pleasure,  on  your  natural  endowments,  on  your  manners 
as  calculated  to  conciliate  the  love  of  your  friends,  and 
that  constant  flow  of  affection  ever  manifested  for  me  ; 
with  pain,  on  the  possibility  of  your  being  too  much 
attached  '  to  trifles  light  as  air,'  and  being  dazzled  with 
surrounding  earthly  pleasure."  While  such  was  the  out- 
ward aspect  of  things,  the  Spirit  was  silently  performing 
his  gracious,  and,  it  is  believed,  his  saving  work.  And 
doubtless  the  process  is  always  going  on  in  various  minds, 
unobserved  entirely  by  a  surrounding  world. 

Although,  in  the  case  of  Miss  Marvin,  the  process 
seems  to  have  been  gradual  by  which  she  was  brought  to 
a  full  acquiescence  in  the  gospel,  and  to  the  enjoyment  of 
its  hopes,  no  particular  time  being  specified  as  charac- 
terized with  any  peculiar  interest ;  yet  from  remarks  else- 
where made  it  is  evident  that,  in  the  progress  of  this  great 
work,  there  icas  a  particular  time  marked  with  brighter 
divine  manifestations  than  any  other  ;  a  time  which  was 
as  the  rising  of  the  sun  upon  a  previous  night — which  was 
the  rising  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  upon  her  inner 
being,  with  healing  in  his  beams;  a  particular  time,  which 
gave  her  inward  peace,  for  her  previous  perturbation ; 
which  turned  the  current  of  her  affections  into  a  new 
channel,  and  laid  the  foundations  for  a  new  life;  and  to 
which  she  ever  after  looked  back  as  an  era  in  her  existence. 
The  manner  in  which  she  subsequently  remembered  this 
era,  will  receive  a  moment's  notice  in  another  place. 

Miss  Marvin  was  not  one  to  stop  half  way  in  her  duty. 
Having,  as  she  hoped,  embraced  the  gospel  from  her 
heart,  and  been  brought  to  an  interest  in  its  saving  and 
infinite  blessings,  she  felt  it  incumbent  on  her  to  observe 
all  its  ordinances,  and  be  openly,  as  well  as  really,  a  friend 
of  God.  The  doctrine,  that  "  a  candle  is  not  lighted  to 
3 


A'A  MEMOIR. 

be  put  under  a  bushel,  or  under  a  bed,  but  to  be  set  on  a 
candlestick,  that  it  may  give  light  to  all  that  are  in  the 
house,"  met  a  full  response  from  her  heart.  The  duty 
of  making  a  public  profession  of  religion,  therefore,  ere 
long  engaged  her  attention.  She  looked  at  this  duty, 
however,  with  great  seriousness,  and  not  a  little  trembling. 
A  brief  representation  from  herself  will  show  this  more 
fully. 

"  December  20.  It  is  now  more  than  four  months  since 
I  have  hoped  that  the  temper  of  my  heart  has  been  brought 
in  some  degree  into  conformity  to  the  gospel.  I  have 
made  my  way  through  doubts  and  fears,  hopes  and  joys, 
mixed,  and  succeeding  each  other  by  turns,  to  this  time. 
A  very  solemn  question  has  been  before  me  for  several 
weeks.  It  is  that  of  making  a  public  profession  of  my 
faith,  and  entering  the  visible  communion  of  the  church. 
I  have  viewed  it  as  such  a  weighty  act ;  as  so  connected 
with  the  final  judgment  and  my  future  existence,  after  all 
the  scenes  of  probation  are  closed,  and  eternity  is  present 
with  its  enduring  and  boundless  realities,  that  I  have  been 
ready  to  shrink  from  the  performance  of  it.  I  have  lis- 
tened to  the  denunciations  of  the  Scriptures  against  those 
who  •  eat  and  drink  unworthily  ; '  I  have  reflected  on 
the  increased  obligation  which  a  profession  of  religion 
involves,  and  the  correspondent  injury  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion sustains  by  any  deviation  from  the  heavenly  course 
prescribed  to  the  covenant  people  of  God.  I  have  weighed 
my  own  weakness;  the  degree  of  sanctification  possessed, 
which  is  but  a  work  just  begun  (if  begun) ;  my  exposure 
to  temptation,  and  my  continual  liability  to  fall  ;  my  very 
limited  acquaintance  with  the  doctrines  and  duties  of 
religion  ;  and  above  all,  my  danger  of  being  deceived  in 
regard  to  my   character,   and   the  ground  of  my  hope. 


MEMOIR.  23 

These  things  at  first  appalled  me.    I  trembled  and  shrunk 
back." 

She  received  a  visit  from  her  pastor.  She  had  hoped, 
like  many  young,  and  inexperienced,  and  trembling  con- 
verts, that  he  would  advise  her  what  to  do.  He  simply 
stated  to  her  the  views  with  which  one  contemplating  the 
duty  before  her  should  proceed,  and  left  it  wholly  for  her 
to  determine  whether  she  possessed  those  views  or  not. 
It  seemed  to  her,  at  the  time,  almost  wanting  in  kindness 
in  him,  not  to  endeavor  further  to  help  her  out  of  her 
difficulties.  She  afterwards  said,  however,  "  I  have  since 
seen  the  wisdom  of  his  proceeding.  It  awakened  me  to 
a  new  class  of  considerations,  which  before  had  been  shut 
out  from  my  view."  Thrown  upon  herself,  her  own  mind 
worked  out  the  problem.  "In  '  communing  with  my 
own  spirit  and  making  diligent  search,'  I  have  asked, 
Am  I  not  willing  to  live  for  my  Saviour?  Am  I  not 
willing  to  cast  myself  on  his  mighty  arm,  his  all-powerful 
grace,  to  carry  me  through  the  perils  of  my  earthly  pil- 
grimage, to  help  me  to  resist  temptation,  and  to  perform 
duty  1  Will  a  neglect  of  the  dying  command  of  my  Sa- 
viour release  me  from  obligation,  and  absolve  me  from 
guilt  ?  Shall  I  be  more  likely  to  grow  in  grace,  out  of 
the  pale  of  the  visible  church,  or  amidst  its  ordinances,  and 
with  covenant-claims  on  its  sympathies,  its  counsels,  and  its 
prayers  1  Shall  I  disappoint  the  friends  of  Christ,  who 
are  my  friends,  and  gratify  the  unbelieving  around  me, 
who  watch  for  my  halting,  and  who  dread  the  reproof  ad- 
ministered to  them  when  any  forsake  their  ranks,  and 
attach  themselves  to  the  interests  of  Christ's  kingdom  ? 
The  result  is,  That  it  is  my  duty  publicly  to  profess  my 
faith  in  Christ,  and  love  to  his  cause,  depending  on  his 
almighty  grace  for  aid  so  to  live  as  shall  bring  honor  to 


24  MEMOIR. 

his  name — as  shall  enable  me  to  escape  the  pollutions  of  the 
world,  and  finally  to  triumph  in  heaven.  I  feel  deeply 
solemn  in  making  this  conclusion,  and  submitting  my 
name  as  one  who  requests  to  be  joined  to  the  Lord's  peo- 
ple. But,  all  things  considered,  I  dare  not  do  otherwise  : 
and  I  leave  myself  to  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  and  to 
the  judgment  of  the  church,  in  whom  I  repose  much  con- 
fidence." 

Shortly  after  this — on  the  first  Sabbath  in  January, 
1813 — she  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Congrega- 
tional church  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Asahel 
Hooker.  She  speaks  of  having  made  this  public  conse- 
cration of  herself  to  God,  "  most  tremblingly,"  and  only 
with  "  an  occasional  glimpse  of  God's  mercy  in  Christ  to 
the  most  unworthy."  She  "  did  it  in  the  midst  of  much 
darkness  and  fearfulness,  as  duty,  irrespective  of  conse- 
quences to  herself."  The  duty  performed,  there  was  a 
satisfaction  in  having  done  it.  "  All  is  peaceful,  and  even 
more — joyful."  She  was  at  this  time  a  little  less  than 
twenty  years  of  age. 

Some  things,  undoubtedly,  in  this  case,  and  in  others 
of  the  kind,  are  to  be  set  to  the  account  of  temperament. 
A  stronger  nerve  would  prevent  a  measure  of  the  agita- 
tion. Still  the  solicitudes  here  expressed  show  a  quick 
perception,  and  sincerity  of  purpose.  They  are  indubita- 
ble evidence,  that  the  individual  concerned  is  acting  no 
dishonest  part — is  engaged  in  no  vain  formality.  Deep 
seriousness  and  holy  fear  are  becoming  in  those  who 
transact  concerns  with  an  infinite,  and  infinitely  perfect 
God. 

In  regard  to  the  aid  which  should  be  rendered  by  a 
pastor  in  cases  like  this,  much  wisdom  is  often  needful  to 
direct.  Severity  will  sometimes  break  down  an  already 
broken  spirit,  and  do  it  lasting  injury.     "  We  were  gentle 


\vV        01'    THIS 


MEMOIR.  25 

among  you,"  says  the  apostle,  "  even  as  a  nurse  cherisheth 
her  children."  The  true  course  unquestionably  is,  that 
which  seems  to  have  been  pursued  by  the  excellent  pastor 
mentioned.  Give  the  individual  instruction.  Furnish 
him  with  the  rule  by  which  his  judgment  is  to  be  for- 
med. Aid  him  also  in  analyzing  his  own  feelings.  Go 
down  with  him  into  the  depths  of  his  own  heart,  and 
assist  him  in  bringing  to  light  what  is  there.  Yet,  after 
all,  the  responsibility  must  be  left  with  him.  Take  him 
by  the  hand  and  show  him  the  way,  and  the  encourage- 
ments to  walk  in  it,  but  do  not  carry  him.  Whether  he, 
indeed,  possesses  the  qualifications  which  the  rule  re- 
quires, he  must  himself  determine. 

In  connection  with  Miss  Marvin's  public  profession  of 
religion  and  admission  into  the  church,  is  a  form  of  cov- 
enant and  self-dedication  to  God,  which  she  made,  and 
which  will  show  still  further  her  habits  of  thought,  and 
especially  the  prospective  views  with  which  she  entered 
on  the  Christian  life. 


COVENANT. 

"  O  God,  who  art  the  eternal  and  infinite  Jehovah, 
unchangeable,  and  possessor  of  every  perfection,  natural 
and  moral, — '  who  art  light,  and  in  whom  there  is  no 
darkness  at  all ; '  who  hast  made,  and  sustainest,  all 
worlds,  and  every  creature  ;  who  canst  kill,  and  make 
alive  :  Sovereign  of  all  things  ;  before  whom  angels  and 
archangels  bow  adoring,  with  veiled  faces,  because  of  thy 
resplendent  glories,  and  are  charged  with  folly  compared 
with  Thee  :  how  shall  such  an  one  as  I  appear  in  thine 
awful  presence,  on  such  an  errand  as  this,  to  implore  thy 
mercy,  and  dedicate  myself,  and  my  all,  to  thee?  Verily, 
in  my  nature  there  is  no  good  thing.  Born  in  sin,  all  the 
3  * 


)ib  s  MEMOIR. 

powers  of  my  soul  have  been  estranged  from  thee  ;  '  other 
lords  have  had  dominion  over  me.'  I  blush  and  am 
ashamed  to  lift  up  my  face  before  thee.  I  have  sinned. 
How,  then,  can  I  this  day  ask  of  thee  that  which  I  need  ? 
Will  God,  indeed,  condescend  to  be  my  God  1  O  Lord, 
great  is  thy  mercy,  therefore  doth  my  soul  hope  in  thee  ; 
therefore  would  I  beseech  thee  to  humble  me  for  my  sin, 
to  grant  me  pardon,  and  strength  for  future  obedience.  I 
come  in  the  name  of  the  Saviour  of  lost  men  ;  that  name 
which  giveth  salvation — in  which  the  most  unworthy  that 
believeth  may  find  life.  I  can  do  nothing  without  thee. 
Wilt  thou,  at  this  time,  enable  me  to  approach  thy  foot- 
stool, and,  by  an  act  of  my  own,  assisted  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  give  myself  and  my  all  to  thee,  for  time  and 
eternity.  O  Father,  if  my  heart  deceive  me  not,  I  do 
now  thus  give  myself  to  Thee.  Accept  me  through 
the  merits  and  intercession  of  thy  Son,  the  Saviour  of 
sinners,  and  let  me  be  thine  now  and  forever. 

"  No  service  is  like  thy  service.  Therefore  do  I  this 
day  renounce  every  other  master,  and  resolve  to  live  in 
future  near  to  thee.  Let  thy  Spirit  be  given  unto  me, 
for  I  am  weak.  Keep  me,  oh  keep  me,  from  unbelief  and 
sin  ;  wash  me  thoroughly  in  the  blood  of  thy  dear  Son. 
May  I  have  grace  to  set  an  example  of  holy  living ;  not 
fear  to  profess  Christ's  name  boldly  before  the  world  ; 
nor  shrink  from  the  reproach  of  being  called  singular 
where  I  should  otherwise  offend  thee.  Enable  me  to 
deny  myself,  and  take  the  cross,  and  follow  Jesus  daily. 
Enlighten  my  understanding,  that  I  may  know  the  truth 
contained  in  the  Scriptures.  Use  me  as  an  instrument  of 
promoting  thy  glory  and  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  In 
whatever  station  I  may  be  placed,  qualify  me  for  every 
good  word  and  work.  Assist  me  in  prayer  daily,  and  let 
me  enjoy  much  of  thy  holy  presence  in  my  attempts  to 


MEMOIR.  27 

draw  near  to  thee.  Let  all  thy  holy  providences  toward 
me  be  sanctified  for  my  furtherance  in  the  divine  life. 
Let  every  unhallowed  disposition  be  subdued  within  me, 
and  may  I  strive  daily  to  gain  the  victory  over  every  in- 
ternal foe.  Give  me  right  judgment  and  knowledge  to 
detect  the  wiles  of  the  adversary,  and  resolution  to 
withstand  temptations  though  presented  under  the  fairest 
guise.  Let  the  preaching  of  the  word  be  sweet  and 
salutary  to  my  soul,  and  may  all  thine  ordinances  do  me 
good.  Strengthen  my  faith  to  see  the  end  in  the  means, 
and  to  glorify  God  in  the  use  of  them.  Let  me  be  a  de- 
voted creature  to  my  Lord  :  not  thinking  I  am  something, 
because  I  have  a  name,  to  live  ;  but  evidencing  my  love  to 
thee,  by  keeping  thy  commandments. 

"  Should  I  in  future,  through  the  prevalence  of  remain- 
inor  sin,  be  left  to  walk  in  darkness,  and  murmur  and 
complain,  — wilt  thou  call  to  my  remembrance  things  of 
this  day,  give  me  new  repentance,  and  restore  to  me  the 
joys  of  thy  Spirit.  When  lying  on  the  bed  of  sickness 
and  death,  may  I  be  enabled  to  testify  of  thy  goodness  ; 
have  my  rational  powers  continued  while  life  endures,  and 
be  submissive  and  sustained  by  grace.  Particularly  in 
the  solemn  moment  of  departure,  give  me  an  overcoming 
faith,  and  let  thy  hand  conduct  me  safely  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  May  thy  light  shine  about 
me.  In  the  judgment  of  the  great  day,  may  I  be  shielded 
and  arrayed  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ ;  and  have 
some  humble  part  assigned  me  among  those  who  are  to 
enjoy  the  felicities  of  heaven,  and  sing  forever  the  won- 
ders of  redeeming  love;  that  the  termination  of  my  pil- 
grimage may  be  peace  and  unfading  glury.  *  Worthy  is 
the  Lamb  that  was  slain  ! ' 

"  Great  things  have  I  now  asked,  O  Lord  ;  but  thou 
art  great  and  mighty  to  perform  ;  thou  art  good  and  mer- 


28 


INI  E  M  O  I  R 


ciful  to  grant.  Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the 
meditation  of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  before  thee,  and  let 
me  give  all  the  glory  to  the  sacred  Three  in  One,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

Catharine  M.  Marvin." 

This  covenant  has  appended  to  it  thirty  different 
dates,  indicating  manifestly  the  times  in  which  it  was 
solemnly  renewed  before  God.  And  it  can  hardly  have 
been  otherwise,  than  that  the  contemplation  of  such 
truths,  under  such  circumstances,  should  have  been  highly 
beneficial. 

It  will  be  seen  from  this  covenant  as  well  as  from 
the  preceding  statements,  that  Miss  Marvin's  religion 
was  not  of  a  superficial  character.  It  was  no  mere 
compliance  with  custom.  It  was  no  mere  sentimentalism. 
It  was  sober,  deep,  practical,  taking  hold  of  all  the  ele- 
ments of  her  intellectual  and  moral  nature.  As  expressed 
by  a  friend  who  intimately  knew  her,  and  saw  the  first 
turning  of  her  mind  to  this  subject,  "  At  that  time  her 
views  of  divine  truth  became  very  clear  and  decided. 
Her  inward  consciousness  of  alienation  of  heart  from  God 
concurred  with  the  testimony  of  Him  who  is  '  the  faith- 
ful and  true  witness,'  that  she  *  must  be  born  again.' 
Regarding  herself  as  obnoxious  to  the  divine  displeasure, 
as  having  incurred  the  penalty  of  his  righteous  law,  the 
wants  of  her  soul  called  for  atoning  blood  :  and  on  that 
which  was  shed  on  Calvary  for  the  remission  of  sins  she 
placed  her  humble  hope,  her  cordial  reliance ;  while  she 
received  and  adored  the  glorious  Sufferer  on  the  cross,  as 
'God  manifest  in  the  flesh.'  Her  subsequent  life  proved 
how  deeply  the  conviction  was  wrought  in  her  heart, 
that  they  for  whom  he  died  should  not  live  unto  them- 
selves.    From  this  period  she  ever  manifested  a  readiness 


MEMOIR.  29 

for  every  good  word  and  work,  and  entered  with  all  her 
natural  ardor  and  energy  into  every  enterprise  designed 
to  promote  the  kingdom  of  Christ." 

It  will  not  be  deemed  improper  to  observe,  that  a  few 
months  only  after  she  had  made  a  public  profession  of 
religion,  the  pastor  who  had  aided  her  inquiries,  and 
under  whose  direction  she  had  been  led,  as  she  hoped, 
into  the  paths  of  righteousness,  was  removed  by  death. 

"  April  12,  1813.  We  fear  that  the  Lord  is  about  to 
rebuke  us  in  anger,  and  chasten  us  in  his  hot  displea- 
sure. Mr.  Hooker,  our  dear  minister,  is  dangerously 
ill  with  a  fever.  We  are  deeply  solicitous  as  to  the  re- 
sult. Deal  not  with  us  according  to  our  sins,  O  Lord, 
we  beseech  thee ! — Friday,  April  16.  Day  of  Public 
Fasting  and  Prayer.  May  we  as  individuals,  and  as  a 
people,  be  humbled  before  God.  Especially  may  this 
church  and  congregation  humble  themselves  while  thy 
rod  is  lifted  up  over  us.  O  that  our  Pastor  might  live  be- 
fore thee  ! — April  18.  We  are  endeavoring  to  acquiesce 
in  what  appears  about  to  take  place  in  regard  to  our  dear 
minister.  As  a  church  we  have  been  professedly  hum- 
bling ourselves  before  God,  and  entreating  him  to  spare 
his  useful  life.  At  the  special  church  meeting  all  was 
solemnity  and  weeping.  We  know,  yes,  we  have  pecu- 
liar reason  to  understand,  the  language  of  God's  provi- 
dence to  us  in  this  dispensation.  We  have  sinned 
against  the  Lord  in  a  peculiar  manner.  He  has  bestowed 
on  us  one  of  his  richest  gifts  for  a  little  season,  to  show 
us  his  mercy ;  and  now  he  seems  about  to  take  away 
what  he  gave,  to  teach  us  our  folly  and  guilt,  and  lead  us 
to  repent,  and  turn  to  him.  May  such  be  the  result  of 
this  dispensation. — Monday,  April  19.  Mr.  H.  is  gone  ! 
*  Righteous  art  Thou,  O  Lord.'     The  closing  scene  was 


30  MEMOIR. 

one  of  triumph.  We  hardly  dare  mourn.  Yet  the  dis- 
pensation  is   dark   and  heavy.     C ,  and  myself  had 

peculiar  reasons  for  attachment  to  him.  He  was,  we 
think,  our  spiritual  father.  We  can  bear  witness  to  his 
faithfulness,  his  tenderness,  his  watchfulness,  as  we  now 
mourn  his  loss.  Yet  we  cannot  but  rejoice,  amidst  our 
sorrows,  that  the  closing  scene  was  so  bright ;  that  the 
opening  glories  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  were  so  visible 
to  the  eye  of  his  faith  ;  that  God  granted  his  faithful  ser- 
vant so  triumphant  an  exit." 

Mr.  Hooker  is  described  by  others  as  among  the  most 
excellent  of  ministers  :  "  discreet,  diligent,  affectionate. 
*  *  #  pew  men  have  been  so  useful,  beloved  and 
happy,  in  the  pastoral  office,  as  he.  He  was  devoted  to 
his  work."  This  had  been  proved  at  Goshen,  during  a 
ministry  of  eighteen  years  ;  and  again  at  Norwich,  a  short 
time,  where  he  was  much  beloved,  and  his  name,  after 
his  departure,  was  as  ointment  poured  forth.  * 

The  religion  of  Miss  Marvin  was  not  of  that  cast  which 
is  finished,  when  the  vows  of  God  are  assumed.  On  the 
contrary,  it  was  then  only  begun.  She  felt  that  something 
was  due  from  her  to  her  Saviour  ;  that  she  must  render  him, 
as  far  as  in  her  power,  active  service.  One  of  the  spheres 
in  which  she  labored  to  be  useful  was,  her  school,  which 
she  continued  about  two  and  a  half  years  after  she  was  a 
professor  of  religion.  From  the  beginning,  indeed,  such 
had  been  her  education,  and  such  were  her  convictions  of 
the  importance  of  religion,  that  she  made  it  in  a  measure 
a  religious  school.  After  her  public  profession  of  religion, 
she  made  it  much  more  so.     Her  prayer,  as  she  has  left  it  on 

*  See  Memoir,  &c.  in  Panoplist,  1815. 


MEMOIR.  31 

record,  was, "  to  be  assisted  in  the  arduous  and  trying  duties 
of  instructing  children,  young  immortals  !  Keep  them  from 
the  snares  of  sin.  Make  them  the  children  of  thy  grace." 
"  Her  school  was  always  opened  and  closed  with  prayer." 
She  had  a  weekly  Bible  lesson.  "  She  observed  seasons 
of  prayer  for  her  school."  Or,  to  use  the  language  of 
another  of  her  intimate  friends  at  that  time,  "  As  a 
teacher,  the  souls  of  the  children  and  youth  committed  to 
her  instruction  lay  with  great  weight,  upon  her  heart ;  she 
loved  to  spend  an  hour  after  the  close  of  her  school  in 
prayer  for  them,  that  they  might  early  become  the  disci- 
ples of  the  Lord  Jesus."  When  she  discontinued  her 
school,  amidst  manifestations  of  regard  from  her  pupils, 
and  recollections  of  "  what  gratification  she  had  expe- 
rienced in  the  circle  of  little  friends"  a  chief  solicitude 
was  "the  fear  that  she  had  been  deficient  in  duty." 

In  the  family  in  which  she  resided  she  endeavored  to 
be  useful.  It  is  the  testimony  of  the  family  to  her  course 
in  general,  that  "  she  devoted  a  portion  of  time  each  day 
to  prayer,  meditation,  and  reading  the  Scriptures  ;"  and 
"  endeavored  uniformly  to  exert  a  religious  influence  both 
by  precept  and  example."  Her  own  prayer  in  reference 
to  the  children,  committed  partially  to  her  care  and  in- 
struction, shows  the  prevailing  bent  of  her  mind  on  this 
subject :  "  Assist  me,  O  Lord,  in  my  endeavors  to  lead  all 
these  children  in  paths  of  knowledge  and  piety."  In  her 
journal,  under  date  of  Aug.  29,  1817,  is  the  following  en- 
try :  "  Among  other  things,  Mrs.  A.  has  this  morning 
requested  me  to  set  apart  Saturday  evening  of  each  week 
for  catechising  and  instructing  the  servants,  doing  what 
I  think  will  most  conduce  to  their  edification  and  salva- 
tion. I  accepted  the  charge  with  much  pleasure.  —And 
now,  O  Father  in  heaven,  I  come  to  thee,  imploring  thine 


32  MEMOIR  . 

aid ;  qualify  me  for  this  duty ;  and  may  thy  divine 
Spirit  concur,  and  the  result  be  the  salvation  of  these 
souls!" 

The  Sabbath  school  was  a  theatre  on  which  she  loved 
to  act.  She  says,  August,  1815,  "I  commenced  last 
Sabbath  the  office  of  teacher  in  the  Sabbath  school  just 
organized  here.  In  this  service,  I  need  knowledge  and 
humility.  It  requires  also  self-denial.  I  shall  have  less 
time  for  reading,  meditation,  and  prayer  ;  but  the  great 
Head  of  the  church  blesses  those  who  do  his  pleasure. 
'  The  path  of  duty  is  the  path  of  safety.'  My  prayer 
has  been, '  Lord,  glorify  thyself  by  me !'  Let  me  rejoice, 
then,  if  my  petition  has  been  regarded  and  answered  by 
the  opening  of  this  field  of  usefulness  before  me."  In 
this  school  "  she  was  a  devoted,  faithful  teacher  for  suc- 
cessive years."  Particularly  was  she  and  another  teacher 
associated  together  "  in  instructing  a  class  of  colored 
women  to  read ;  and  from  their  untiring  patience  they 
were  successful  in  teaching  a  number  of  them  (quite  in 
years)  to  read  the  Bible."  She  had  a  tact  at  instruction, 
which  rendered  her  a  teacher  of  more  than  usual  effi- 
ciency. 

She  was  a  frequent  visitant  at  the  alms-house,  for  the 
purpose  of  doing  good.  Mrs.  Winslow,  the  first  mis- 
sionary of  this  name,  a  particular  acquaintance  and 
friend  of  hers,  in  a  letter  of  March,  1819,  says :  "  The 
poor  people  at  the  alms-house,  which  is  very  near  her 
residence,  would  tell  you  in  one  voice  that  she  is  an  an- 
gel. But  this  you  would  no  sooner  believe  from  them, 
than  from  me.  And  I  assure  you  that  I  shall  not  say  it. 
But  I  may  say,  that  I  think  there  are  few  more  ardently 
devoted  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  more  capable,  with 
the  blessing  of  God,  of  doing  much  good    in  the  world. 


MEMOIR.  33 

I  could  almost  say  of  her,  that  she  never  fails  in  any  un- 
dertaking where  her  conscience  and  her  heart  are  engag- 
ed." Others  have  given  similar  testimony  on  this  sub- 
ject. "  She  visited  the  alms-house,"  says  a  friend,  "  for 
a  long  time,  at  stated  seasons,  and  read  to  the  aged  females 
and  prayed  with  them,  I  believe  greatly  to  their  comfort." 
Or  as  a  member  of  the  family  in  which  she  resided  has 
expressed  it,  u  She  made  frequent  visits  to  the  alms- 
house, reading  the  Scriptures  with  some,  praying  with 
others,  and  exerting  all  her  influence  to  advance  their 
temporal  and  eternal  interests." 

The  subject  here  brought  to  view  is  one  of  much  im- 
portance. Young  ladies  often  suffer  from  ennui.  They 
have  no  grand  object  to  live  for  beyond  themselves.  Un- 
der such  circumstances  let  them  visit  the  poor;  go  and  read 
the  Scriptures  to  the  aged  and  the  blind ;  speak  words  of 
comfort  to  the  sorrowing,  and  those  who  have  been  broken 
by  misfortune ;  lead  in  prayer  the  sighing  and  neglected 
of  earth,  assisting  them  to  present  their  wants  before  a 
throne  of  grace.  Yes,  be  angels  of  mercy  to  the  suf- 
fering. This  banishes  all  uneasy  vacuity  of  mind ;  this 
brings  substantial  joy  ;  this  is  to  be  like  Christ ;  who  was 
moved  by  the  miseries  of  mankind,  present  and  prospec- 
tive, to  assume  the  office  of  their  Redeemer. 

A  few  passages  follow  from  Miss  Marvin's  own  state- 
ment respecting  this  branch  of  her  labors. 

"  Saturday,  Sept.  6,  1815.  Visited  my  alms-house 
friends.  Notwithstanding  the  trial  my  feelings  sustained, 
the  duties  performed  were  beneficial  to  myself.  O  that 
these  poor,  lame,  halt,  blind,  might  be  made  whole  in 
Christ  Jesus !  Some  of  them,  I  trust,  are.  Praise  to  the 
grace  of  God.  In  heaven  there  is  a  reserved  inheritance 
for  every  one  who  embraces  his  salvation,  trusts  in  his 
4 


34  MEMOIR. 

promises,  and  casts  his  soul  on  Jesus  as  his  Saviour.     Be- 
fore Him  we  are  all  needy. 

"  Jesus,  to  thee  I  breathe  my  prayer ; 
Reveal,  confirm  my  interest  there  : 
Enroll'd  among  thy  happy  poor, 
My  largest  wish  can  ask  no  more." 

"  April  17,  1817.  In  visiting  the  house  appointed  for 
the  poor  and  aged,  I  am  often  struck  with  the  truth  of  the 
wise  man's  reflections  on  the  shortness  of  human  life,  and 
especially  on  the  labor  and  sorrow  frequently  attending  its 
close.  One,  I  found  to-day,  willing  to  be  communicative, 
but  unable  to  connect  her  narrative.  She  appears  to  have 
been  under  deep  conviction  of  sin  in  her  childhood,  and 
to  have  enjoyed  some  view  of  the  excellency  of  her  Saviour. 
Fear  kept  her  from  following  him,  and  all  her  days  she 
has  been  subject  to  bondage.  Another  I  found  of  a  dif- 
ferent description  ;  an  aged  man,  whose  appearance  was, 
in  some  respects,  the  most  repulsive  I  have  ever  witness- 
ed. Yet,  so  happy  was  he  in  Christ,  that  I  almost  envied 
him  his  situation.  '  God  has  been  full  of  tender  mercy  to 
me ;  he  has  been  pleased  to  manifest  himself  to  my  soul.' 
Tears  of  joy  at  this  visible  triumph  of  piety  fell  from  my 
eyes ;  I  could  not  suppress  them.  His  wife  seemed  ac- 
tuated by  the  same  sweet  spirit,  while  she  watched  his 
steps  downward  to  the  grave.  A  little  longer  in  this  dark 
abode,  and  ye  shall  go  home  to  dwell  in  the  mansions 
above,  heirs  of  God  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ  to  an  in- 
heritance which  shall  remain  forever.  I  thank  thee,  O 
God,  that  I  have  been  permitted  to  witness  thus  the  tri- 
umphs of  the  holy  religion  of  Jesus. 

"  Feb.  28,  1818.  At  twilight,  visited  my  alms-house 
friends ;  read  to  them  the  third  chapter  of  the  Gospel  of 


MEMOIR.  35 

John  ;  conversed  on  the  importance  of  the  subject  to  which 
it  relates  ;  and  united  with  them  in  supplication. 

"  Oct.  10,  1819.  Spent  the  afternoon  in  visiting  my 
friends  at  the  alms-house.  I  endeavored  to  converse  a 
little  on  the  subject  of  religion.  But  I  find  so  much  to 
do ;  after  all  my  effort,  so  little  is  done ;  and  such  want 
of  interest  in  most  of  them  on  the  subject ;  that  a  heart 
like  mine  is  ready  to  faint." 

These  extracts  show  the  character  of  her  visits — a  few 
only  out  of  many  being  noticed — at  the  place  of  poverty, 
misfortune,  and  decripit  and  suffering  age. 

Not  long  after  the  date  last  mentioned,  the  inmates  of 
the  alms-house  were  removed  to  a  new  habitation  erect- 
ed for  them,  more  distant  and  difficult  of  access,  and 
which  brought  her  visits  to  them  mostly  to  a  close.  Her 
own  reflections  on  their  removal  may  not  inappropriately 
close  our  notice  of  this  topic. 

"Nov.  25.  They  are  gone  ;  my  poor  friends  are  gone  ; 
they  whom,  for  three  years,  I  have  constantly  watched  with 
an  eye  of  interest  and  pity.  The  house  is  shut  and  silent 
where  I  have  stepped  lightly  to  the  chamber  of  infirmity, 
age,  and  pain  ;  soothed  the  sorrows  I  could  not  cure  ;  ad- 
ministered a  mite  where  I  should  have  been  glad  to  have 
poured  plenty ;  opened  the  sacred  volume  with  reverence  ; 
selected  its  promises,  its  threatenings,  and  its  precepts ; 
expatiated  on  the  infinite  kindness  of  a  Saviour,  and  en- 
deavored to  allure  to  obedience  ;  knelt  with  the  suffering, 
and  offered  up  petitions  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  beseech- 
ing his  grace  for  my  own  and  their  salvation.  The  house 
is  silent,  where  I  have  sighed  deeply  at  the  stupidity  of 
some ;  heard  the  last  sad  groans  of  the  departing,  whose 
lives  had  been  spent  in  sin ;  pitied  the  unmeaning  visage 


6b  MEMOIR. 

of  idiocy,  and  wept  at  the  miseries  of  the  creature  man  ; 
where  also  I  have  heard  the  accents  of  Christian  hope 
and  confidence ;  and  witnessed,  in  one  instance,  the 
triumph  of  religion  in  death,  bright,  apparently,  as  the 
beams  of  opening  glory.  Here  I  have  been  called  to  the 
exercise  of  humility,  patience,  forbearance,  meekness, 
kindness,  long-suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  if  I  know 
what  these  graces  are.  God,  who  knoweth  all  things,  sees 
my  deficiencies.  May  he  forgive.  And  may  the  lessons 
of  instruction  I  have  here  received,  aid  in  qualifying  me 
to  glorify  his  name  in  future  life  ! — My  poor  friends, — 
blessings  on  them  in  their  new  home !" 


CHAPTER  III. 

Passages  from  her  Journal,  1813—1820. 

It  has  been  mentioned  in  regard  to  Miss  Marvin's  re- 
ligious experience,  that  there  was  a  particular  time,  as  she 
believed,  marked  with  peculiar  divine  communications 
to  her  mind,  and  which  she  viewed  as  the  time  of  the 
commencement  of  her  spiritual  life.  She  afterward  par- 
ticularly refers  to  it.  "  Sabbath,  first  week  in  August, 
1813.  I  desire  ever  to  remember  this  season  with  hu- 
mility and  gratitude.  If  I  am  not  deceived,  it  was  at  this 
time  the  last  year,  that  I  was  led  to  view  spiritual  things 
in  their  true  light.  Still  I  have  need  of  constant  examina- 
tion, that  I  may  not  be  mistaken  in  regard  to  my  real 
state."  Similar  notice  is  taken  of  this  subject  in  several 
succeeding  years,  as  the  season  returned. 

Some  passages  further  may  be  selected  from  the  brief 
record  which  Miss  Marvin  has  left,  showing  particularly 
the  inner  and  spiritual  life  which  she  had  now  begun  to 
live.  Without  regard  to  subject,  these  passages  may  best 
be  presented  in  the  order  in  which  they  stand. 

"  Tuesday,  October,  1813.  I  have  lately  thought  much 
of  death.  I  have  felt  a  shrinking  at  the  idea  of  the  dis- 
solution of  my  nature.  I  have,  however,  been  led  to  see 
the  justice  of  it  as  the  consequence  of  sin,  and  to  feel,  I 
trust,  some  gratitude  to  the  Saviour  that  he  has  taken  away 
4* 


38  MEMOIR. 

its  sting  :  so  that  it  is  to  the  believer  only  a  gloomy  en- 
trance into  a  blissful  and  eternal  life.  '  In  thy  presence  is 
fullness  of  joy  ;  at  thy  right  hand,  there  are  pleasures  for- 
evermore.' 

"  Nov.  25.  (Thanksgiving  day.)  The  mercies  and 
blessings  of  the  past  year  have  been  so  numerous,  so  un- 
interrupted, and  so  great,  that,  did  I  not  feel  some  emo- 
tions of  gratitude,  I  should  be  one  of  the  most  stupid 
creatures  living.  Though  I  cannot  count  them,  yet  wilt 
thou,  Lord,  who  art  able,  make  an  abiding  impression  on 
my  heart,  in  some  degree  proportionate  to  thy  bounty. 

"Jan.  2,  1814.  (Sabbath  evening.)  One  year  more  of 
my  life  has  passed  away  never  to  return.  One  year  ago 
to-day,  I  made  a  public  profession  of  love  to  Christ.  Let 
it,  this  evening,  be  matter  of  serious  inquiry,  What  pro- 
gress have  I  made  ? 

"  Jan.  30.  (Sabbath.)  Thursday  last  was  my  birth- 
day. I  have  now  commenced  my  twenty-second  year. 
How  swiftly  have  twenty-one  years  of  my  life  glided  away  ! 
In  the  review  of  them,  they  appear  "  as  a  tale  that  is  told." 
How  barren  of  good  works.  How  destitute  of  gratitude 
for  innumerable  mercies  received  from  my  most  bounti- 
ful Benefactor.  While  I  bear  testimony  to  thy  goodness, 
O  Lord,  pardon  my  imperfections ;  and  let  the  new  pe- 
riod of  my  life  on  which  I  now  enter,  be  begun,  and  spent 
with  thee.  Each  morning  when  I  awake,  may  my  thoughts 
be  directed  to  thee, — in  praise  for  thy  protection — in  med- 
itation on  the  pledge  of  my  future  resurrection — in  sup- 
plication for  pardon — in  desires  to  be  kept  from  wrong 
thoughts  and  affections,  and  from  neglect  of  duty  in  any 
station  which  I  may  be  called  to  fill.  During  the  hours  of 
the  day,  as  they  pass,  may  I  look  frequently  to  thee,  in 
ejaculatory  prayer,  for  guidance,  direction,  forgiveness, 
sanctification  and  acceptance.     May  each  day  be  closed 


MEMOIR.         \^.  39 

in  thy  fear,  with  thy  pardoning  mercy,  and-  be  crowned 
with  thy  blessing.     May  I  live  to  thy  glory. 

"  Feb.  15.  The  Christian  who  lives  under  a  sense  of 
divine  love,  knows  by  a  little  that  he  feels,  how  precious 
higher  attainments  and  communications  must  be.  Amidst 
the  cares  and  disquietudes  of  life,  he  can  look  away  to 
those  things,  which,  though  unseen,  because  spiritual,  he 
yet  feels  confident  are  substantial  and  eternal.  Having 
that  faith  which  works  by  love,  and  purifies  the  heart,  and 
gives  victory  over  the  world,  he  has  foretastes  of  the  glory 
and  blessedness  which  shall  hereafter  be  revealed. 

"  April  10.  (Sabbath.)  '  Lord,  is  it  /?'  These  are 
the  words  to  which  our  attention  has,  this  morning,  been 
directed  in  the  sanctuary.  And  shall  I  betray  my  Lord? 
Am  I  a  mere  professor  of  the  religion  of  the  Gospel,  hop- 
ing to  be  saved  by  giving  a  bare  assent  to  its  truths,  while 
refusing  to  be  actuated  by  its  principles,  or  governed  by 
its  commands  1  How  detestibly  hypocritical,  in  his  sight, 
must  every  one  be,  who,  while  he  professes  friendship,  is 
yet  daily,  by  his  conversation  and  course  of  life,  evincing 
his  decided  attachment  to  the  world,  his  love  of  vain 
amusement,  his  desire  of  man's  applause  !  '  Lord,  is  it  I? ' 
"  Saturday  30.  To-morrow  we  are  again  to  renew  our 
vows  at  the  Lord's  table.  Holy  Spirit,  condescend  to 
breathe  into  me  the  divine  life.  Help  me  duly  to  appre- 
hend this  exhibition  of  the  wonderful  love  of  God  to  fallen 
man.  Help  me  to  adore  those  perfections  which  are 
made  manifest,  and  shall  continue  eternally  to  be  made 
manifest,  in  the  plan  of  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

"May  1.  (Sabbath.)  I  thank  thee,  O  thou  giver  of 
every  good  gift,  for  preserved  life,  for  another  Sabbath, 
for  another  sacramental  season.  O  that  my  life  had  been 
more  holy !     O   that  I  could  look   back,  and  confidently 


40  MEMOIR. 

say,  I  have  served  God  with  my  whole  heart  !  If  I  ap- 
pear so  sinful  in  my  own  eyes,  how  must  I  appear  in  the 
eyes  of  Him  who  is  infinite  purity. 

"  I  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  for  the  blessed  privilege  of 
prayer.  How  much  real  happiness  is  lost  by  the  millions 
who  never  pray — who  practice  not  this  truly  soul-exalt- 
ing duty.  The  thoughtless  may  consider  such  an  expres- 
sion but  high  sounding  words.  But  the  true  and  sincere 
Christian  knows,  by  sweet  experience,  the  blessed  reality. 

"May  10.  Lwant  faith  and  earnestness  in  prayer  for 
the  salvation  of  my  dear  brother  and  sisters.  Will  the 
Lord  assist  me  to  set  a  right  example  before  them,  and  to 
exert  all  other  practicable,  appropriate  influences.  I  fall 
far  short  in  all  these  important  duties.  In  the  name  of 
Jesus,  that  name  in  which  we  are  ever  to  approach  the 
mercy-seat,  I  desire  to  be  heard  on  their  account.  May 
they  speedily  be  made  partakers  of  thy  grace,  O  God ; 
taste  and  see  that  thou  art  good  ;  and  walk  in  that  path 
which  terminates  in  everlasting  life.  O  hasten  them, 
Spirit  of  grace,  into  the  ark  of  safety  ! 

"May  22.  '  Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  the  preacher,  all 
is  vanity.'  I  have  been  out  on  a  little  water  excursion 
for  pleasure ;  but  there  was  no  religious  conversation,  no 
spirituality.  I  return  to  mourn  over  the  misspent  time, 
and  can  truly  say,  it  has  all  been  tasteless.  All  pursuits, 
with  which  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  soul's  progress  in 
spirituality,  and  the  highest  good  of  my  fellow-creatures, 
are  not  connected,  are  stamped  with  folly,  attended  with 
dissatisfaction,  and  followed  with  regret.  ■  Do  all  to 
the  glory  of  God.'  No  service  is  like  his.  None  has 
such  exalted  pleasure ;  none  such  holy  dignity ;  none 
promises  such  infinite  rewards. 

"  June  3.  '  I  count  not  myself  to  have  apprehended — 
but  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  call- 


MEMOIR.  41 

ing  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord.'  Increased  devotion 
to  God — abatement  of  love  to  earthly  things — deeper 
concern  howl  shall  appear  before  my  Judge; — these  are 
the  things  that  require  my  chief  attention,  and  after  which 
it  becomes  me  continually  to  strive. 

"June  12.  (Sabbath.)  How  sweet  this  return  of  the 
holy  Sabbath  !  The  remarkable  beauty  of  the  morning — 
the  brightness  of  the  sun — the  cool  refreshing  air,  filled 
with  the  sweets  and  perfumes  of  the  vegetable  kingdom — 
the  feathered  tribes  chanting  their  hymns  of  praise ;  all 
call  upon  man  to  enter  into  the  rational  and  ennobling 
service  of  worship  and  praise  to  his  Creator  and  Redeem- 
er. Man,  the  head  of  this  lower  world, — how  elevated 
his  station — how  noble  his  appointed  employment !  Made 
to  behold  all  these  beauties  and  glories — redeemed,  to  be- 
hold and  enjoy  the  richer  glories  of  heaven  forever ! 
What  so  desirable  for  him,  as  a  pure  heart,  sanctified 
affections,  entire  devotedness  to  his  God  and  Saviour  ? 
Come,  divine  Spirit,  breathe  upon  thy  people,  and  aid 
them  in  their  worship  to-day  !  Enlarge  their  hearts  ;  and 
hear  their  prayers  for  the  spread  of  the  saving  knowledge 
of  the  cross,  as  far  as  the  curse  of  sin  is  found.  '  Let  the 
people  praise  thee,  O  God ;  let  all  the  people  praise  thee.' 

"June  16.  'Wait  on  the  Lord.'  He  can  fulfil  thy 
petitions  ;  he  can  cheer  thy  drooping  heart ;  he  can  in- 
vigorate every  languid  affection ;  he  can  warm  every  cold 
desire.  In  the  midst  of  spiritual  death,  he  can  give  life. 
How  rich  the  encouragement,  then,  '  Walt  on  the  Lord.' 

"  June  18.  Reading  in  Blair,  from  which  I  extract : 
*  *  *  '  Devotion  is  one  of  the  noblest  acts  of  which 
the  human  mind  is  capable.  It  is  a  powerful  principle 
which  penetrates  the  soul,  which  purifies  the  affections 
from  debasing  attachments,  and  by  a  fixed  and  steady  re- 
gard to  God,  subdues  every  sinful  passion,  and  forms  the 


42 


MEMOIR 


inclination  to  piety  and  virtue.  The  spirit  of  devotion  is 
the  gift  of  God.  From  his  inspiration  it  proceeds  ;  to- 
wards him  it  tends ;  and  in  his  presence  hereafter  it  shall 
attain  its  full  perfection.' 

"  July  2.  (Saturday.)  To-morrow  we  commemorate 
our  Saviour's  love.  In  my  retirement  to-day,  I  would  ex- 
amine myself  as  to  my  preparation  for  that  sacred  service. 
I  feel  myself  to  be  by  nature  a  fallen  creature — without 
hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world  —  a  sinner.  And  sin 
appears  to  me  '  exceeding  sinful.'  It  is  madness  in  the 
heart— blindness  in  the  mind — wretchedness  entire  — an 
infinite  evil.  Such  I  feel  it  to  be  in  my  own  case.  What, 
then,  is  my  hope  1  It  is  Christ— an  almighty  Saviour — 
the  Son  of  God.  In  him  all  fullness  dwells,  as  prophet, 
priest,  and  king  : — light  for  our  darkness  ;  atoning  blood 
for  our  guilt  ;  fountains  of  grace  for  our  cleansing  ;  and 
all  power  to  govern,  protect,  support  and  bless.  O  may  I 
rest  on  Him,  and  own  and  maintain  forever  allegiance  to 
Him. 

"  July  16.  Mr.  Orton  says,  '  A  quick  taste  of  intel- 
lectual and  devout  pleasures,  will  make  it  easy  to  deny 
ourselves  the  hurtful  pleasures  of  sense.'  I  think  I  know 
something  of  this  by  experience.  Forever  blessed  be  the 
Lord,  for  giving  me  a  spark  of  spiritual  life. 

"I  feel  increasingly  anxious  for  the  salvation  of  souls. 
The  immortal  interests  of  my  brother  and  sisters,  of  the 
families  where  we  are  providentially  placed,  and  of  other 
dear  friends,  asnvell  as  sinners  all  around,  lie  with  weight 
upon  my  mind,  and  often  awaken  deep  solicitude  in  my 
heart.     O  that  salvation  might  come  from  our  God  ! 

"  July  20.  I  am  surrounded  by  the  world.  As  I  am 
situated  it  either  is,  or  seems  to  be  necessary,  to  receive 
and  pay  frequent  visits.  In  these  circles  I  often  meet  with 
some  refreshment  from  a  fellow-traveller   Zion-ward.     It 


MEMOIR.  43 

is  delightful.  I  find  it  necessary  in  visiting  and  receiving 
visits,  to  guard  against  unprofitable  conversation  and 
against  levity.  Religion,  indeed,  appears  so  excellent, 
and  the  enjoyment  I  have  found  in  it  already  is  so  pre- 
cious, that  I  am  less  in  danger  of  being  carried  away  by 
these  things,  than  once  I  was.  I  think  I  have,  through 
grace,  obtained  some  victories.  Yet  all  below  is  imper- 
fect. How  joyful  must  those  be  who  have  entered  into 
heaven,  and  joined  the  society  of  the  perfect,  where  there 
is  mutual  and  eternal  intercourse  between  angels  and  glo- 
rified spirits  ;  where  all  is  peace,  elevated,  and  holy. 

"  July  27.  In  passing  through  the  trials  of  life,  great 
patience,  self-denial,  and  submission  are  necessary.  There 
is  a  call,  indeed,  for  the  exercise  of  all  the  Christian 
graces.  I  know  what  it  is  to  be  tried.  May  I  know  also 
what  it  is  to  be  raised  above  these  trials  :  which,  I  am 
sure,  are  intended  for  my  benefit.  Numerous  mercies 
also  have  marked  my  lot  of  late ;  among  which  I  assign 
a  distinguished  place  to  letters  from  Christian  friends. 
How  may  Christians  thus  encourage  each  other  on  in  the 
pilgrimage  of  life ! 

"  First  week  in  August.  I  cannot  let  this  season  pass 
without  special  thanksgiving  to  God  for  having  brought 
me  again  to  the  anniversary  of  the  time,  in  which  I  hope 
I  was  awakened  to  some  just  apprehension  of  divine 
things.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  this  wonderful  mercy  to 
me  a  sinner !  Yes,  new  objects  engross  my  mind,  and 
new  pursuits  employ  me.  O  how  could  I  so  long  have 
remained  indifferent  to  the  claims  of  the  gospel,  — living 
for  the  low  purposes  of  self,  and  engrossed  with  present 
things  1  Mine  be  the  shame,  and  mine  the  tears  of  peni- 
tence ! 

"  I  hope  I  have  made  some  advances  in  the  divine  life 
the  two  years  past.     I  hope  I  can  look  to  God  with  a  con- 


44  MEMOIR. 

fidence  and  trust,  which,  though  still  feeble,  are  yet  great- 
er than  at  the  beginning.  My  judgment  in  spiritual  things 
is,  I  think,  strengthened.  My  views  of  sin  are  clearer. 
Holiness  seems  more  desirable  ;  and  I  hope  I  have  more 
communion  with  God.  May  I  not  be  allowed  to  raise  my 
pillar  among  the  pillars  of  his  people,  and  with  them 
place  an  inscription,  to  swell  the  grateful  song,  '  Hitherto 
hath  the  Lord  helped  me  '  1 

"  O  still  grant  unto  me  the  aids  of  thy  grace,  heavenly 
Father ;  shine  with  increasing  light  on  my  path,  Sun  of 
righteousness  ;  that,  as  I  advance,  I  may  find  the  way  to 
the  heavenly  Canaan  growing  plainer  and  plainer,  and 
that  the  termination  of  my  pilgrimage  may  be  peace  and 
unfading  glory. 

"  July  30.  How  dreadful  is  the  sin  of  backsliding  ! 
The  fear  that  I  shall  forget  and  turn  aside  from  God, 
often  makes  me  tremble. 

■  The  crime  I  dread,  the  thought  I  hate, 
The  guilt,  the  shame  I  deprecate ; 
And  yet  so  many  are  my  foes, 
I  dare  not  trust  my  warmest  vows.' 

"  Sept.  18.  (Sabbath.)  Dr.  John  M.  Mason  of  New 
York,  preached.  Oh  how  sweet  is  the  sacred  word  dis- 
pensed !  The  Sabbath,  the  sanctuary,  the  ordinances, 
all  yield  me  a  pure  delight.  There  is  a  freshness  in  these 
spiritual  pleasures,  which  renders  insipid  all  that  the  world 
can  bestow.  Blessed  Immanuel,  Saviour  of  sinful  men, 
how  can  I  sufficiently  praise,  love,  and  obey  thee?  Re- 
veal thyself  more  and  more  to  my  faith,*and  be  my  ever- 
lasting righteousness  and  portion. 

"  Oct.  2.  Blair  on  Genius,  says,  '  No  rules  can  sup- 
ply the  defect  of  genius,  or  inspire  it  where  it  is  wanting ; 
but  they  may  often   guide  it  into  proper  channels.'     So 


MEMOIR.  45 

nothing  can  supply  the  want  of  true  grace  in  the  heart. 
The  use  of  means  cannot  inspire  it  where  it  is  wanting  ; 
though  means  may  certainly  assist  the  heavenly  principle 
where  it  exists, — may  prove,  under  God,  aids  to  our  sal- 
vation. 

"Oct.  5.     (Saturday.) 

*  Guide  me,  0  thou  great  Jehovah, 
Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land.' 

I  am  indeed  a  pilgrim,  an  orphan  pilgrim  ;  and  my  pe- 
culiar circumstances  make  me  often  keenly  feel  the  fact. 
Help  me,  Father  of  mercies,  so  to  feel  it,  as  to  keep  my 
eye  heavenward,  and  my  best  affections  there.  Have  ob- 
served a  part  of  the  day  as  a  season  of  fasting  and  prayer. 
Mat.  vi.  17,  18.  Enjoyed  peace,  and  found  my  heart 
quickened  by  the  duty. 
"  Oct.  12. 

*  The  first  sure  symptoms  of  a  mind  in  health, 
Is  rest  of  heart,  and  pleasure  felt  at  home.' 

"  Retirement  is  a  remedy  against  many  evils,  and  a 
source  of  many  pleasures. 

1  0  lost  to  virtue,  lost  to  manly  thought, 
Lost  to  the  noble  sallies  of  the  soul, 
Who  think  it  solitude  to  be  alone. 
Communion  sweet,  communion  large  and  high, 
Our  reason,  guardian  angel,  and  our  God, — 
Then  nearest  these,  when  others  most  remote.' 

"  I  think  I  can  say,  that  some  of  the  hours  spent  alone, 
have  been  by  far  the  most  rational,  the  most  salutary,  and 
sweetest  of  my  life. 

"  Nov.  12.  (Saturday  afternoon.)  Sick  of  this  vain 
world  and  my  sinful  self!  I  retire  to  spend  a  little  season 
5 


46 


MEMOIR 


in  humiliation  and  prayer.  Having  wandered,  all  my 
strength  is  requisite  to  return.  May  I  come  back  to  God 
with  my  whole  heart ! 

"Nov.  13.  (Sabbath.)  Again  I  have  found  the  bene- 
fit of  throwing  from  my  heart  all  this  vain  world,  and 
looking  and  reaching  heaven-ward.  '  I  cried  unto  the 
Lord,  and  he  heard  me,  and  delivered  me  from  all  my 
troubles.'  '  I  will  sing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord.'  '  I 
will  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  with  my  whole  heart.'  I  am 
under  renewed  obligations  henceforth  to  serve  God.  The 
covenant,  in  which  I  have  solemnly  bound  myself  to  do 
this,  and  which  I  have  sealed  twelve  times  at  his  table,  I 
feel  resting  upon  me  with  additional  force.  I  tremble, 
lest  I  may  fall  short  in  keeping  my  vows.  Yet  I  would  not 
be  absolved  from  them.  My  only  wish  is,  that  I  may  have 
grace  to  pay  them  continually  '  in  the  presence  of  his  peo- 
ple,' showing  forth  their  power  on  my  heart  by  a  well 
regulated  life  and  conversation. 

"  Saturday,  Dec.  30.  The  year  is  fast  closing.  Time 
glides  away  like  a  stream,  swiftly,  though  almost  imper- 
ceptibly. Temporal  inconveniences  are  in  prospect,  and 
deprivation  of  some  privileges  which  I  have  enjoyed  lon- 
ger than  I  at  first  expected.  May  these  things  make  me 
feel  yet  more  strongly,  that  this  is  not  my  rest.  Remem- 
bering that  He  who  clothes  the  field  with  grass,  and 
watcheth  the  falling  sparrow,  is  abundantly  able  to  do  for 
me  also  beyond  my  largest  expectation,  may  I  commit  my 
whole  cause  to  Him,  and  wait  on  him  as  he  hath  appoint- 
ed in  humble  prayer,  seeking  his  glory  by  submission  to 
his  will,  and  strong  confidence  in  his  directing  wisdom. 

"  January  25,  1815.  '  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  be- 
fore God  and  the  Father,' — how  it  draws  its  possessor 
from  too  close  adherence  to  the  things  of  this  world  ; 
raises  the  mind  from  earth  to  heaven  :  makes  those  who 


enjoy  it  pity  the  votaries  of  pleasure,  and  turn  from  the 
insipid  draught  mingled  in  their  cup.  I  am  surrounded 
with  busy  preparations  for  an  approaching  season  of  gaiety, 
mirth,  and  dancing.  I  feel  a  delightful  freedom  from 
things  whose  influence  so  hinders  the  mind  from  ranging 
among  spiritual  objects.  There  is  a  rich  satisfaction  in 
passing  by  the  follies  which  attract  those  who  never 
knew  a  higher,  nobler  joy.  Oh  when  shall  we  see  our 
young  friends  flocking  to  the  cross  of  Christ  1 

"  Jan.  26.  The  rebellion  of  our  hearts  consists  more 
in  their  habitual  temper  of  variance  with  God,  than  we  are 
generally  aware.  We  are  too  prone  to  imagine  ourselves 
innocent,  because  the  sin  is  not  clothed  in  overt  action. 

"The  Scriptures  are  like  springs  of  living  waters, 
which  furnish  drink  for  thousands,  without  diminishing 
the  sweetness  or  abundance  of  their  supplies.  Those  who 
have  once  tasted,  desire  ever  after  to  be  refreshed  from 
these  streams. 

"  The  habitual  practice  of  secret  prayer  is  an  evidence 
of  spiritual  life.  Secret  prayer  loosens  the  cords  by  which 
the  soul  is  bound  to  earth ;  it  assists  the  eye  of  faith  to 
look  forward  and  upward  ;  it  strengthens  the  inner  man  ; 
it  sweetens  the  spirit,  and  prepares  it  for  every  duty. 
'  Christ's  yoke  is  easy,  and  his  burden  light.' 

"  The  armies  of  Pompey  and  Mithridates  engaging  in 
battle  in  the  evening,  the  moon  shining  from  behind  the 
Romans  so  lengthened  their  shadows  that  the  archers  of 
Mithridates,  under  a  mistake,  shot  their  arrows  at  the 
shadows  and  not  at  the  men.  A  picture  of  multitudes  of 
our  mistaken  race,  who  are  aiming  at  shadows,  rather 
than  at  realities. 

"  March  2.  Some  earthly  trials  press  heavily,  and  the 
future  looks  dark.  '  Lord,  what  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will 
trust  in  thee.'     I  am  still  an  orphan,  thou  still  art  God. 


40  MEMOIR. 

Thy  promises  are  yet  upon  record,  and  are  sure.  I  yield 
myself  to  thy  guidance  ;  I   repose  on  thine  arm  of  grace. 

"  April  8.  Still  I  will  wait  on  God.  May  I  do  it  in 
faith,  rejoicing  that  '  my  times  are  in  his  hand.' 

"  April  24.  I  have  been  seeking  direction  of  God.  I 
wish  to  refer  the  decision  of  every  matter  to  Him,  and  by 
watching  the  footsteps  of  his  providence,  learn  what  he 
would  have  me  to  do. 

"  May  9.  Oh,  that  every  member  of  the  family  which 
I  am  now  about  leaving,  might  live  before  God.  This 
has  been,  this  still  shall  be,  my  sincere  and  ardent  prayer. 

"May  10.  I  think  the  scenes  through  which  I  have 
been  passing  have  made  me  acquainted  with  some  things 
in  my  own  character,  of  which  before  I  was  ignorant. 
Decision  and  perseverance  have  been  called  into  exercise, 
and  I  hope  I  have  had  an  addition  to  my  faith  and  confi- 
dence in  God.  I  have  taken  no  step,  without  first  repair- 
ing to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  seeking  direction  there. 
And  these  seasons  have  been  unspeakably  sweet.  Surely, 
to  be  directed  by  the  Infinite  One,  my  Father  and  my 
God,  is  my  highest  joy  ! 

"  May  17.  In  my  new  situation,  to  which  I  have  been 
guided,  as  I  trust,  by  an  unerring  Providence,  I  look  to 
him  for  his  blessing.  And  may  this  chamber,  which,  for 
the  present,  I  am  permitted  to  call  my  own,  be  a  conse- 
crated place,  where  my  spirit  shall  be  constantly  paying 
her  vows  to  the  Most  High,  and  seeking  ana"  obtaining 
grace  for  the  exigencies  of  life. 

"  May  22.  Have  been  reading  Dr.  Johnson's  life  by 
Murphy.  Dr.  J.  had  great  virtues  combined  with  great 
defects  of  character.  His  writings  tend  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  mind,  and  discover  deep  acquaintance  with 
human  nature. 

"  June  3.     (Sabbath  morning.)     O  that,  with  the  light 


MEMOIR.  49 

of  this  pleasant  morning,  I  could  feel  that  light  in  my 
soul,  which  is  better  than  mortal  life!  Lord,  thou  hast 
said,  '  Draw  nigh  unto  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  unto 
you.'  But  how  can  a  sinful,  self-willed  creature  do  this 
without  thy  gracious  aid  ?  O  wilt  thou  this  day  vouch- 
safe it  to  me.  I  fear  I  shall  fall  away  from  thee,  by  de- 
grees growing  insensible,  and  finally  perish.  Still,  if  I 
mistake  not,  I  do  love  thee,  and  that  cause  which  I  have 
professedly  espoused. 

"  June  10.  (Sabbath.)  How  everyway  proper  is  a 
day  thus  set  apart  from  secular  business  and  the  cares  of 
earth.  How  refreshing  to  the  body.  How  delightful 
as  a  season  of  devout  praise  to  God  for  creating  power, 
preserving  goodness  and  redeeming  love.  It  is  a  time  for 
the  soul  to  refresh  itself  amidst  the  sweet  influences  of  the 
sanctuary,  thus  preparing  itself  for  the  unending  blessed- 
ness of  the  kingdom  of  glory. 

"  June  19.  Author  of  my  blessings,  my  pleasures, 
and  my  life,  grant  that  thy  gifts  may  not  hide  thee  the 
Giver  from  my  eyes ;  but  may  I  daily  and  hourly  be  made 
sensible  of  the  source  whence  they  flow,  and  have  my 
heart  fixed  on  things  above  the  world,  while  I  live  in  it. 

*  They  build  too  low,  who  build  beneath  the  skies.' 

*'  July  2.  (Sabbath  morning.)  *  Why  sleep  ye?  Rise 
and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation.'  How  appropri- 
ate, not  only  to  the  slumbering  three  in  Gethsemane,  but 
to  all  indolent  disciples.  O  why  is  a  Christian  ever 
otherwise  than  awake,  holy,  and  active  ? 

"July  10.     (Ten  o'clock,  evening.)     How   charming 

this  evening,  at  this  still   hour.     ■  The  moon  walking  in 

brightness,'  and  shedding  her  soft  beams  upon  the  earth, 

— its  hill   and  dale,  its  flowery  mead  and  garden  shrub- 

5* 


50 


MEMOIR. 


bery,  its  streamlets  and  distant  glassy  waters ;  what  a 
profusion  of  beauties  fill  up  the  lovely  picture !  Faint 
image  of  immortal  beauties  ;  after  which  let  me  aspire  ! 
"  July  23.  I  have  of  late,  more  than  usual,  been  turn- 
ing my  eye  inward  upon  my  own  heart,  surveying  its 
thoughts,  desires,  hopes,  and  expectations :  consequently 
I  have  had  a  clearer  view  of  its  deep  native  alienation 
from  God,  and  the  present  weakness  of  its  graces. 

1  0  mind  immortal !  spark  from  God, 

*  *  *  * 

Form'd  with  capacity  for  highest  joy, 
Extatic  bliss  in  heaven  and  near  its  God ! 
Shall  trifles  animate,  allure  and  fill  it  ? 
Shall  aught  beneath  the  sun  attract  its  love, 
Bearing  it  downward,  robbing  it  of  heaven  ? ' 

"September  19.  On  Saturday  our  terrors  were  great. 
The  heavens  gathered  blackness,  the  wind  burst  from  its 
storehouses,  and  devastation  spread  around.  But  the 
same  voice  which  had  said  '  Let  it  be,'  spake  again,  and 
it  was  calm,  and  the  serenest  sky  ensued.  Emblem  of 
higher  things.  '  In  a  little  wrath  I  hid  my  face  from 
thee  for  a  moment ;  but  with  everlasting  kindness  will  I 
have  mercy  on  thee,  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer.' 

"  February  2,  1816.  The  world's  atmosphere  is  pesti- 
lential. I  feel  it  to  be  so,  and  fear  its  influence.  My 
Saviour  says,  '  Be  not  conformed  to  this  world.'  I  trem- 
ble lest  I  come  far  short  of  obedience  to  this  command. 
Divine  grace !  prevent  that  fatal  sentence,  '  Ephraim  is 
joined  to  his  idols  ;  let  him  alone.' 

"  May  5.  (Ten  o'clock,  evening.)  Have  just  returned 
from  our  monthly  concert  for  prayer.  How  animating 
the  consideration,  that  on  this  evening  a  goodly  number 
in  Asia,  Africa,  Europe,  and  our  own  dear  America,  are 


MEMOIR.  51 

unitedly  engaging  in  prayer  for  the  extension  of  the  Re- 
deemer's kingdom  throughout  the  world.  I  do  believe 
that  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased.  I  do  be- 
lieve that  he  will  regard  these  supplications,  and  send 
answers  of  peace  and  blessing. 

"  July  8.  New  favors  and  new  subjects  for  grateful 
acknowledgements. 

*  Lord,  take  this  heart  of  mine, 
Nor  let  it  ever  stray ; 
Let  me  no  longer  call  it  mine, 
Since  'tis  convey'd  away.' 

"  August  3.  The  anniversary  has  again  returned  when 
it  becomes  me  to  render  to  God  peculiar  praise,  for  his 
having  brought  me  to  see  myself  as  a  sinner,  and  the  ex- 
cellency of  Christ  as  a  Saviour.  I  hope  I  have  freely 
chosen  to  be  saved  in  the  way  proposed  in  the  gospel,  and 
that  I  am  constantly  looking  to  Christ  to  be  kept  from  the 
evil  that  is  in  the  world,  and  to  be  prepared  for  a  higher 
and  nobler  existence  beyond  the  grave.  Such  an  expec- 
tation calls  for  my  most  entire  and  active  obedience.  O 
that  I  might  have  grace  given  me  to  purify  myself  in 
some  measure,  as  my  Saviour  is  pure  ! 

"  August  19.  My  desires  are  quickened  to  do  some- 
thing more  than  I  have  yet  done  for  the  enlargement  of 
Christ's  kingdom. 

"  September  24.  The  probability  that,  under  existing 
circumstances,  I  shall  be  often  deprived  of  social  evening 
meetings  during  the  week,  where  I  can  receive  and  re- 
ciprocate the  devout  sympathies,  and  enjoy  what  is  emi- 
nently congenial  to  my  heart — the  sweet  repasts  of  my 
soul — damps  my  spirits,  and  clouds  my  joy.  At  the 
same  time  it  prompts  this  ardent  unaffected  prayer : 

u  Place  me,  O  Lord,  in  a  soil   friendly  to  my  spiritual 


52  MEMOIR. 

improvement ;  and  in  a  position  favorable  to  my  serving 
thee  with  activity,  and  in  such  a  way  as  shall  be  for  thy 
glory  ;  and  let  thy  grace  enable  me  to  maintain  an  exam- 
ple, and  exert  all  appropriate  influences,  to  win  others  to 
thyself.  I  know,  O  Lord,  that,  thou  canst  do  this  ;  and 
so  peculiarly  have  I  been  led,  of  late,  by  prayer  and 
earnest  supplication,  to  present  my  case  before  thee,  and 
leave  my  petitions  at  the  foot  of  thy  throne,  that  I  am 
emboldened  to  add,  7"  believe  thou  wilt.  Increase  faith  in 
me,  and  assist  me  to  wait  continually  on  Thee,  O  thou 
Disposer  of  events ! 

"  Oct.  3.  How  eventful  is  this  short  life.  Almost 
every  day  brings  something  unexpected.  Every  year  pro- 
duces important  changes  beyond  the  power  of  human  cal- 
culation. Amidst  this  diversity  of  movement,  it  is  matter 
of  high  satisfaction  that  He  who  ordains  and  conducts  the 
whole  is  infinite  in  wisdom  ;  that  he  has  an  arm  of  strength, 
and  doeth  all  things  well.  Possessing  his  favor,  we  can 
never  be  unhappy. 

"  Evening.  '  There  is  no  soundness  in  me  because  of 
sin.'  All  is  defiled.  "  Enter  not  into  judgment  with  me, 
O  Lord.'  I  cannot  stand  before  thy  holy  justice,  unmix- 
ed with  sovereign  mercy.  I  rejoice  that  thou  canst  justi- 
fy the  penitent  believer  in  Jesus,  without  sullying  the  pu- 
rity of  thy  perfections,  or  dishonoring  thine  authority. 
Take  away  my  folly,  I  entreat  thee ;  that,  hoping  to  be 
saved  by  thy  grace,  I  may  delight  continually  to  run  the 
way  of  thy  commandments.  I  ask  that  obstructions  may 
be  removed,  that  I  may  be  active  in  duty. 

"Oct.  5.  (Sabbath  evening.)  'Is  God's  arm  short- 
ened that  it  cannot  save  V  No,  my  soul,  the  time  of  thy 
necessity  shall  be,  as  it  hath  been,  the  time  of  his  mercy. 
Here,  then,  let  me  rest.  Though  earthly  streams  dimin- 
ish, and  darkness  rests  upon  the  future,  yet  would  I  resolve 


MEMOIR.  53 

to  meet  every  exigency,  and  endeavor  to  live  henceforth 
*  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible.' 

"Jan.  1817.  'I  have  lately  thought  very  much  of  my 
dear  departed  mother,  and  traced  many  features  of  her 
character  and  life  with  clearness  and  deep  emotion.  I 
have,  in  a  measure,  entered  into  the  anxieties  she  must 
have  felt  at  leaving  her  children  orphans  in  this  cold 
world,  with  slender  means  of  support,  and  especially  des- 
titute of  the  grace  of  God  which  alone  could  bring  them 
salvation.  Oh  could  I  now  with  her  talk  of  the  way  in 
which  God  has  thus  far  led  us,  of  the  love  of  Christ  and 
the  joy  of  the  Spirit,  and  enter  with  her  into  that  sweet 
communion  felt  by  Christian  kindred  hearts,  and  bend 
with  her  before  the  throne  of  grace  and  unite  in  the  ar- 
dent prayer,  how  happy  for  me  !  But  no,  I  must  not  wish 
it ;  it  is  selfishness.  I  alone  could  be  the  gainer  ;  she 
must  suffer  loss.  With  her,  I  believe,  darkness  is  chang- 
ed into  light,  and  this  mortal  is  left  for  immortality. 
Faith  and  hope  have  ripened  into  full  fruition.  Let  me 
rather  strive  after  the  same  glory,  and  eventually  meet  her 
in  that  better  world. 

"  April  15.  Humbled  by  almost  every  thing  that  has 
occurred  this  day  and  evening.  Pensive  and  dissatisfied, 
I  come  to  Him  who  has  such  gifts  to  bestow,  and  ask  par- 
don and  favor,  and  a  heart  to  say,  '  Just  and  true  are  thy 
ways,  thou  King  of  saints  !"  May  this  spirit  accompany 
me  to  my  pillow,  and  abide  with  me  continually,  aiding  in 
all  duty  and  preparation  for  a  higher  and  nobler  state  of 
existence,  where  no  intervening  cloud  shall  ever  obscure 
the  rays  of  the  glorious  and  righteous  Sun. 

"  April  27.  How  many  scenes  do  we  witness  which 
cause  us  to  weep  at  the  depravity  of  man, — his  unsancti- 
fied  passions  governing  him,  sin  strengthening  within 
him,  and  no  inward  principle  of  grace  counteracting  the 


54  MEMOIR. 

dreadful  tendency.  How  thankful  should  I  be,  if  I  am 
made  to  differ  ;  if  I  have  received  a  measure  of  that  grace 
which  subdues  the  power  of  sin  ;  which  shall  complete  the 
work  it  has  begun,  and  give  me,  at  last,  a  part  in  the  pu- 
rity and  rest  of  heaven.  How  invaluable  the  Gospel,  that 
conducts  to  such  results.  How  invaluable  the  covenant, 
which  secures  such  results  to  every  one  that  takes  hold 
of  it. 

1  Grace  will  complete  what  grace  begins, 
>  To  save  from  sorrow  and  from  sins ; 

The  work  that  wisdom  undertakes, 

Eternal  mercy  ne'er  forsakes.' 

"  April  28.  (Sabbath  evening.)  I  am  consoled,  soft- 
ened, animated,  strengthened,  by  the  solemnities  of  God's 
house.  O  that  my  future  life  might  receive  some  right 
coloring  from  the  instructions,  the  reproofs,  the  exhorta- 
tions of  this  day. 

"  April  31.  (Wednesday  evening,  11  o'clock.)  Re- 
turned half  an  hour  since  from  a  pleasant  circle  of  friends 

entertained  by  Mrs.  W .     Our  conversation,   though 

not  directly  on  religion,  was  not  marred  by  folly,  nor 
censure  of  the  absent.  Visiting,  rightly  conducted,  is  an 
estimable  recreation,  and  attended  with  many  benefits. 
It  gives  the  mind  elasticity,  calls  the  social  powers  into 
exercise,  softens,  refines,  animates.  Too  often,  alas ! 
wrongly  conducted,  it  leads  to  different  results. 

"May  6.  (Sabbath.)  Made  a  renewed  dedication  of 
myself  to  God  this  morning  in  secret.  I  hope  to  keep  a 
savor  of  it  in  my  heart  and  conduct.  Yesterday,  the 
words,  '  She  that  liveth  in  pleasure  is  dead  while  she 
liveth,'  were  frequently  in  my  mind.  I  had  more  to  do 
with  the  world  than  common,  though  there  was  a  call  for 
more  than  ordinary   retirement,   the  communion-service 


MEMOIR.  55 

being  before  me  to-day.  I  have  reason  to  praise  God  that 
he  enabled  me,  in  some  measure,  to  keep  my  heart. 
May  the  Saviour  enable  me,  at  his  table,  to  drink  deeply 
into  his  spirit. 

"  Evening.  '  Dead  be  my  heart  to  all  below.'  Hence- 
forth let  me  live  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible,  and  look- 
ing forward  and  expecting  the  time  when  my  Lord  shall 
come.  Let  me  live,  (oh  how  desirable  !)  not  unto  my- 
self, but  unto  Him  who  laid  down  his  life  to  atone  for  sin, 
and  took  it  again  to  intercede  for  sinners.  Shall  not  such 
infinite  love  fix  my  wandering  heart,  and  rivet  it  to  Him, 
the  best  of  objects,  and  make  it  most  faithful  in  his  most 
divine  employ  ? 

"  June  12.  In  conversing  with  dear  S.  J.  B.  in  the 
early  part  of  the  evening  on  the  particular  providence 
of  God,  and  especially  in  relation  to  myself,  I  felt  a  desire 
to  praise  him  more  than  it  is  possible  in  this  imper- 
fect state.  *  *  This  Christian  communion  savors  of 
heaven.  We  anticipate  the  riches  of  our  eternal  inheri- 
tance. *  *  There  is  another  cause  for  thanksgiving. 
One  in  this  neighborhood  has,  I  trust,  just  opened  the  eye 
of  faith,  and  fixed  it  on  God  as  the  centre  and  sum  of  all 
good.  '  There  is  joy  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of 
God,  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth.' 

"  July  14.  Greatly  uncertain  respecting  the  mind  of 
God  toward  me,  in  the  dispensations  of  his  providence  ; 
sometimes  agitated  by  fear,  and  again  animated  by  hope. 
I  do  at  this  time  deliberately  desire  to  draw  near  to  my 
heavenly  Father,  and  surrender  myself  entirely  to  him ; 
that  my  will  may  perfectly  coincide  with  his,  however 
crossing  to  nature  may  be  his  appointments  ;  trusting  that, 
in  the  future  opening  of  his  plans,  I  shall  see  reason  to 
rejoice  in  whatever  is  allotted  me ;  shall  find  it,  however 
dark  at  present,   shedding  a  prolonged  ray  of  light  and 


56  M  fc  M  O  I  It  < 

peace  over  my  subsequent  earthly  course,  and  preparing 
me  more  completely  for  the  clearer  light  and  fuller  bless- 
edness of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  This  I  now  ask  in 
the  sacred  name  of  the  holy  Trinity,  in  whom  I  firmly  be- 
lieve, Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

"  July  29.  I  purpose  to  be  as  retired  as  possible  to- 
day, for  self-examination  and  prayer.  Oh  for  the  presence 
of  God,  in  my  attempts  thus  to  draw  nigh  unto  him  ! 

"July  30.  (Evening.)  '  It  is  well.'  How  sweet  the 
frame  of  spirit,  which  enables  one  to  say,  '  It  is  well.' 
It  is  the  sentiment  of  angels  and  of  the  spirits  of  the  just 
escaped  from  mortality.  It  is  their  heaven !  Blessed 
privilege  of  the  Christian  here,  that  he  may  attain  a  lit- 
tle of  that  which  constitutes  their  bliss.  '  It  is  well.'  He 
has  a  God,  whose  government  is  perfect  and  glorious  ; 
and  the  vision  of  which  evidences  his  faith,  animates  his 
hope,  strengthens  his  love,  and  fills  his  soul  with  adora- 
tion and  praise.  '  It  is  well.'  He  has  a  covenant  God, 
whose  promises  are  immutable  and  sure  ;  '  all  things  shall 
work  together  for  his  good.'  How  safely  may  he  commit 
the  interests  of  his  body  and  soul  into  the  hands  of  '  a 
faithful  Creator.'  ( It  is  well.'  Though  the  dark  cloud 
threaten,  though  intervening  gloom  obstruct  his  view, 
and  he  wonder  what  his  course  shall  be;  yet,  amidst 
clouds  and  darkness,  '  the  wreck  of  matter  and  the  crush 
of  worlds,'  he  may  rest  in  the  wisdom,  power,  and  truth 
of  God  most  High,  and,  while  waiting  for  the  unfolding 
pages  of  futurity,  say,  '  It  is  well.' 

"  August  4.  (Monday  evening.)  Concert  of  prayer 
for  the  world's  conversion. 

"  Employed  a  part  of  the  afternoon  in  recalling  that 
period  in  which  I  hope  divine  life  was  breathed  into  my 
soul ;  while  I  rejoice  at  this  great  change  of  principles 
and  views,  I  yet  mourn  that  the  new  sentiments  awakened 


MEMOIR.  57 

in  my  bosom  have  not  more  entirely  influenced  my  practice. 
Imperfection  has  a  part  in  every  action.  I  come  short  of 
the  glory  of  God.  May  God  grant  me  pardon,  and  grace 
more  thoroughly  to  sanctify  my  affections  and  aims  and 
direct  them  to  himself,  and  resolution  and  strength  for  a 
more  faithful  fulfilment  of  my  vows. 

"  August  25.  Sweet  day — sweet  evening  !  The  in- 
terviews of  yesterday  with  my  beloved  friends,  S.  M.  C. 
and  S.  J.  B.,  shed  a  kind  influence  on  my  heart,  which 
has  remained  since.  We  humbly  hope  to  hold  ourselves 
in  readiness  for  any  service  to  which  God  may  call  us. 
May  the  offering  be  accepted  :  *  Use  us  for  the  glory  of 
thy  name,  and  the  advancement  of  thy  kingdom  in  the 
earth.     Prepare  us  for  the  visions  of  thy  face  forever ' ! 

"  August  30.  (Saturday  evening.)  How  shall  I  praise 
thee  acceptably  ?  Every  effort  falls  below  thy  worthiness. 
Lord,  accept  the  wish ;  and,  while  in  this  body,  and  far 
from  my  Father's  house  and  the  pure  air  of  heaven,  assist 
me  to  aspire  after  its  blessed  abodes. 

<  0,  it  is  sweet  to  feel  this  grateful  joy, 

And  bless  the  source  from  whence  these  springs  descend ! 

******** 

Even  now,  confined  to  earth,  my  spirit  soars, 

Anticipates  the  better  strains  of  praise 

Which  sound  in  heaven,  where  thou  art  "  all  in  all." ' 

"  September  5.  (Friday  evening,  before  the  com- 
munion.) What  prospect  on  earth  should  kindle  the 
flame  of  holy  love  in  my  soul,  like  that  of  approaching  the 
place  where  '  Jesus  is  evidently  set  forth,  crucified  be- 
fore us '  ?  When  I  attempt  to  survey  the  wondrous 
plan  of  salvation,  the  mercy  and  the  grace  appear  almost 
too  great  for  belief.  Yet  let  me  beware  of  rejecting  a 
6 


5©  MEMOIR. 

system  so  glorious.  How  fatal  such  an  error  !  The  reve- 
lation is  too  clear  for  faith  to  refuse  its  assent ;  the  invita- 
tion is  too  plain  to  be  mistaken  ;  and  the  commandment 
is  too  forcible  to  allow  of  disobedience  or  delay.  To 
what  source  of  help  shall  I  fly,  O  my  Saviour,  but  to 
Thee  ?  What  other  fountain  has  power  to  change  from 
moral  pollution,  but  the  fountain  of  thy  blood?  What 
other  shield  can  protect  the  guilty  sinner  from  the  wrath 
of  heaven,  but  thy  boundless  grace  ? 

"  Soul,  art  thou  daily  washing  in  this  fountain?  Hast 
thou  this  shield  ?  Does  the  name  of  Jesus  raise  within 
thee  emotions  of  sweetest  harmony?  Is  every  power 
striving  to  render  him  acceptable  praise,  and  all  combin- 
ing to  '  crown  him  Lord  of  all '  ? 

"  Do  I  not  desire  further  knowledge  of  this  Redeemer, 
who  wears  my  nature,  and  'sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
Father,'  as  intercessor  for  me  ?  Am  I  not  grieved  that  I 
have  such  low  conceptions  of  his  excellence,  and  endear- 
ing offices  ?  Why  is  it,  that,  day  by  day,  I  am  not  wait- 
ing, with  holy  anxiety,  to  be  introduced  into  his  pres- 
ence, where  is  full  knowledge,  purity,  and  bliss  ?  How 
dwindles  every  wish,  even  the  most  fondly  cherished  ;  how 
sinks  every  earthly  desire  into  indifference ;  when  eternity 
with  its  amazing  scenes,  and  a  Saviour's  love  with  its  im- 
pressive claims,  come  into  view.  O  to  live  with  these  vis- 
ions before  my  mind !  Moderate,  O  Lord,  my  attach- 
ment to  things  below,  and  enable  me  to  accomplish  the 
high  ends  of  my  being.  Grant  me  the  enjoyment  of  the 
blessings  of  this  life,  in  such  measure  as  will  quicken  me 
to  aspire  after  a  better.  May  afflictions,  trials,  pleasures, 
all  work  the  same  end,  and  the  gracious  promise  be  ful- 
filled unto  me  in  covenant  love — '  all  things  shall  work  to- 
gether for  good.' 

"  Sept.  10.     I  have  been  making   known  my  requests 


unto  God  in  prayer,  and  asking,  among  other  things,  a 
disposition  to  trust  in  him  for  all  that  I  need.  Now  I 
arise  to  wait.  And  what  is  '  waiting  on  the  Lord '  ?  It 
is,  if  I  understand  it,  the  suppression  of  a  too  eager  de- 
sire for  the  blessing  sought ;  a  conviction  of  our  impo- 
tence, ignorance  and  unworthiness ;  a  willingness,  if  God 
please,  to  have  the  solicited  favor  delayed — bestowed  in 
any  time  and  way  which  to  him  may  seem  best;  a  spirit 
submissive — quietly  resigned — even  if  the  favor  should  be 
denied.  Sweet  temper,  and  all  important !  Without 
something  of  it,  the  greatest  earthly  blessings  lose  their 
relish,  and  fill  us  with  satiety.  But  this  is  itself  compen- 
sation for  good  delayed.  '  My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon 
God,  from  whom  thy  help  cometh.' 

11  October  20.  Have  been  reading  Paradise  Lost — ■  a 
feast  of  nectared  sweets' !  I  have  never  before  read  Milton 
with  such  keen  relish.  Reality  seems  attached  to  every 
action,  every  object,  delineated  by  this  master  genius. 

"  November  27.  (Thanksgiving  day.)  Dined  at  home 
from  choice,  and  spent  the  afterpart  of  the  day  alone,  and 
in  visiting  my  poor  friends.  It  afforded  me  a  quiet  sea- 
son for  reviewing  the  mercies  of  the  year,  and  forming 
resolutions  of  future  duty. 

"  This  is  a  day  manifestly  misspent  by  multitudes. 
Professed  Christians  even,  too  frequently  lose  sight  of  the 
very  object  for  which  it  is  set  apart,  and  make  it  little 
more  than  a  sensual  feast.  Alas !  that  the  intellectual, 
the  spiritual,  should  be  so  overlooked.  How  should  all 
the  inner  powers,  the  higher  and  the  better  powers,  move 
toward  the  infinite  Benefactor,  on  such  an  occasion  ! 
How  distinct  should  be  the  apprehension  of  God,  the 
recognition  of  God,  in  every  favor  !  And  how  delight- 
ful, in  connection  with  a  temperate  use  of  his  bounties,  to 


60 


MEMOIR, 


make  glad  the  hearts  of  the  poor  and  the  needy,  by  ren- 
dering them  participants  in  his  favors. 

"December  1.  (Monday  evening.)  The  concert  of 
prayer  has  been  very  animating  to  my  feelings,  and  I  hope 
to  thousands  beside,  where  its  benign  influence  extends. 

"  '  The  church  shall  live.'  This  comforting  assurance 
is  as  a  reviving  cordial  to  the  fainting  spirit  amid  the 
mysteries  of  providence,  the  tumult  of  various  passion, 
and  the  narrow  confused  views  of  weak  man.  '  The 
church  shall  live' — its  members  be  preserved,  and  finally 
be  presented  with  exceeding  joy  in  the  presence  of  the 
living  God.  Let  the  bright  vision  continually  present  it- 
self to  the  eye  of  my  faith,  and  so  eclipse  inferior  things 
as  to  leave  me  possessed  of  a  continual  and  holy  rapture 
that  ?  the  Lord  reigneth  '  / 

"  January  2,  1818.  This  day  is  set  apart  by  the  church 
as  a  day  of  private  fasting  and  prayer.  Had  we  a  proper 
sense  of  this  duty,  how  awful  would  be  the  place  to  which 
we  resort,  to  open  our  bosoms  to  God,  to  mourn  for  sin 
in  ourselves  and  others,  and  to  deprecate  its  dreadful  con- 
sequences. Though  the  life  of  the  Christian  includes 
habitually  a  decided  disapprobation  of  sin,  yet  in  seasons 
set  apart  for  particular  humiliation,  he  should  particularly 
examine  how  far  it  may  still  have  influence  over  him,  and 
labor  after  a  distinct  consciousness  of  whatever  remnants 
of  it  may  still  exist  within  him.  The  recollection  of  many 
wanderings  the  past  year,  to  look  no  further  back,  fills 
me  with  pain  and  regret.  \  I  have  sinned  ;  what  shall  I 
do  unto  thee,  O  thou  preserver  of  men  ' !  Let  me  adore 
a  Being  of  such  prolonged  patience,  and  from  that  very 
patience  take  encouragement  to  draw  near,  and  touch  the 
extended  sceptre  of  grace;  and,  however  unworthy,  may 
I  hear  a  voice,  saying,  '  This  year  thou  shalt  live ;  this 


MEMOIR.  61 

shall  be  unto  thee  as  the  beginning  of  months ;  I  will 
henceforth  be  a  lamp  unto  thy  feet,  and  a  light  to  thy 
path.' 

"  January  8.  These  hours  are  set  apart  as  a  season  of 
audience  with  the  King  of  heaven.  They  are  consecrat- 
ed to  the  purpose  of  spreading  before  his  throne  the  com- 
plaint of  orphans  ;  as  a  time  for  pleading  his  promises  to 
the  fatherless,  and  imploring  his  aid.  May  faith  be  given 
to  ask  things  agreeable  to  his  will.  May  the  sorrow  and 
sighing  of  the  needy,  and  the  prayer  of  the  destitute,  so 
come  before  him  this  day,  that  he  may  regard  and  send 
help  according  to  the  greatness  of  his  mercy  ;  supply  that 
which  is  lacking,  and  show  himself  a  God  hearing  prayer  ; 
so  that  this  day  shall  be  remembered  through  the  remain- 
der of  life,  as  a  day  of  mercy,  and  as  an  encouragement 
and  pledge  of  future  interposition  ;  so  that  no  barrier  to 
similar  entreaty  hereafter  shall  oppose  a  speedy  flight  to 
the  place  where  relief  can  alone  be  found.  O  Lord,  shall 
it  be  said,  that  thou  takest  no  knowledge  of  that  which  is 
presented  before  thee  ?  I  plead  that  thou  wilt  so  answer 
the  prayers  of  this  day,  that  thy  name  may  be  glorified, 
our  happiness  promoted,  and  our  best  interests  secured." 

The  subject  here  brought  to  view — God's  care  of  the 
orphan  and  the  destitute— constitutes  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  features  of  religion.  The  promises  on  this  sub- 
ject are  peculiarly  explicit,  emphatic,  and  tender;  and 
must  be  peculiarly  sweet  to  the  pious  mind  in  the  state 
supposed,  and  feeling  its  necessity.  "  Leave  thy  father- 
less children,"  says  God  to  the  dying  parent,  "  I  will  pre- 
serve them  alive  ;  and  let  thy  widows  trust  in  me."  "  He 
doth  execute  the  judgment  of  the  fatherless  and  widow, 
and  loveththe  stranger."  "  The  poor  committeth  himself 
unto  thee ;  thou  art  the  helper  of  the  fatherless."  "  A 
6* 


62  MEMOIR. 

Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  Judge  of  the  widows,  is 
God  in  his  holy  habitation."  "  In  thee  the  fatherless 
findeth  mercy."  Is  it  wonderful  to  find  an  orphan  plead- 
ing these  promises,  and  pleading  them  with  great  earnest- 
ness ?  Miss  Marvin  believed  that  the  blessings  of  after  life 
were  connected  with  prayer — were  connected  with  taking 
hold  of  these  promises,  and  seeking  God's  direction  and 
favor,  according  to  the  encouragement  they  afford.  And 
who  will  say,  that  it  was  not  a  rational  religion  which  be- 
lieved so?  O  that  all  orphans  would,  in  like  manner, 
avail  themselves  of  their  privilege!  Surely  God  has 
spoken  to  be  believed ;  and  in  thousands  of  ways  can  he 
arrange  his  providences,  to  favor  those  who  confide  in 
him.  The  very  act  of  confiding  in  him — the  temper  it 
implies — is  favorable  to  safety. 

"  January  27.  The  anniversary  of  my  birth.  God  of 
mercy,  I  am  still  permitted  to  '  sing  of  thy  goodness' !  O 
that  a  sense  of  the  rapidity  of  time,  and  the  uncertain 
continuance  of  life,  may  quicken  me  in  obedience  to  the 
apostolic  injunction  ;  '  Be  diligent  in  business,  fervent  in 
spirit,  serving  the  Lord.' 

"  January  29.  Heavily  pressed,  I  am  almost  tempted 
to  forget  my  numerous  mercies  in  the  cloud  of  busy 
wishes  and  anxious  fears.  This  I  would  not  do.  Let  me 
be  guided  from  a  wilderness  so  dark,  and  with  simplicity 
enter  the  path  irradiated  with  the  light  of  that  goodness 
which  says,  '  Wait  on  the  Lord,  he  shall  strengthen  thine 
heart '  ;  '  run,  and  not  be  weary,  walk  and  not  faint ' ; 
*  thy  light  shall  rise  in  obscurity,  thy  darkness  shall  be 
as  the  noon-day.'  So  guide  me,  great  Jehovah.  Fulfil 
thy  promises  to  a  feeble  creature,  who  has  no  other  refuge 
or  strength. 

"  February  20.     (Evening.)     The  day  past  is  an  im- 


MEMOIR.  63 

pressive  emblem  of  life.  The  changes  from  sunshine  to 
storm,  and  from  storm  to  sunshine  ;  from  calm  to  agita- 
tion, and  from  agitation  to  calm  again;  most  forcibly 
illustrate  the  fluctuations  of  this  mortal  state.  Nor  should 
I  fail  to  notice  the  evening  which  has  succeeded.  Every 
cloud  has  fled,  all  is  serene,  tranquil.  The  '  moon's  un- 
clouded majesty  '  throws  her  silvery  beams  abroad,  which 
are  reflected  from  the  icy,  snow-clad  face  of  nature,  en- 
chanting to  the  eye.  The  stars  appear,  beautifying  the 
vast  expanse,  and  elevating  the  mind  to  their  glorious 
Creator.  So  may  heaven  burst  on  my  ravished  percep- 
tion, after  this  varying  and  tumultuous  scene  is  passed, 
and  afford  me  that  calm,  pure,  and  eternal  peace  and 
joy,  which  God  has  reserved  for  his  faithful  people ! 

"  March  24.  Spent  part  of  the  day  in  looking  over 
the  papers  of  my  two  eldest  sisters,  who  have  long  since 
been  reposing  in  the  dust.  The  tear  has  flowed,  and  an 
acquaintance  has  been  obtained  with  their  hours  of  seclu- 
sion, their  better  thoughts,  which  before  I  did  not  pos- 
sess. This  employment,  too,  has  called  me  to  retrace,  in 
memory,  the  period  of  childhood ;  has  shown  me  its  thought- 
lessness, awakened  the  wish  that  I  had  derived  greater 
improvement  from  sisters  so  adequate  to  my  instruction ; 
and  filled  me  with  regret  that  I  was  so  early  deprived  of 
two  so  dear.    p 

"  The  idea  that  I  have,  as  I  trust,  so  many  friends  in  a 
world  free  from  sorrow,  uncertainty,  and  uncomfortable 
anticipations,  presents  a  forcible  reason  why  I  should  de- 
sire to  continue  here  only  so  long  as  it  shall  please  Infinite 
Wisdom,  and  look  forward  to  enjoy  their  society  in  the 
presence  of  our  common  Saviour  forever. 

"  June  8.  Have  again  been  perusing  the  papers  of  a 
departed  sister.  How  sweet  the  assurance,  as  a  friend 
writes,  that,  as  the   end  approached,  after  a  deep  convic- 


64  MEM  OIR, 

tion  of  her  necessities  as  a  sinner,  '  she  was  enabled  to 
commit  her  whole  interests  of  soul  and  body  into  the 
hands  of  a  merciful  Saviour.  She  could  pray  with 
assurance,  and  felt  that  the  blood  of  Christ  was  suf- 
ficient to  cleanse  her  from  all  sin,  and  remove  all  guilt, 
and  give  her  acceptance  before  the  everlasting  throne.' 
O  what  gain  to  the  believer,  to  die  ! 

"  June  14.  (Sabbath  evening.)  'While  they  are  yet 
speaking,  I  will  hear.'  Yes,  before  I  spoke,  thou  didst 
send  an  answer  of  peace ;  an  answer  which,  from  the  na- 
ture of  the  case,  I  had  little  reason  to  expect ;  an  answer 
which  awakens  my  gratitude,  and  draws  forth  some  of 
the  sweetest  feelings  of  which  I  am  capable.  I  would, 
by  thy  assisting  grace,  now  present  myself  to  thee  for  thy 
service  in  the  new  opening  which  has  occurred,  with  the 
hope  and  prayer  that  thou  wilt  accept  me,  and  bless  me 
with  others  engaged  in  the  good  work. 

"  July  — .  Dr.  Griffin's  discourse,  this  evening,  from 
Rev.  ii.  4,  5  :  '  Nevertheless  I  have  somewhat  against 
thee,'  &-C,  designed  as  preparatory  to  the  communion, 
was  seasonable,  solemn,  and  deeply  impressive.  I  felt 
that  the  text,  and  the  enforcement  of  it,  were  to  me.  Con- 
scious that  the  world  had  yet  too  great  a  hold  on  my 
heart,  that  I  was  not  in  the  exercise  of  that  first  love 
which  is  sweeter  than  words  can  express,  that  a  thousand 
objects  wear  attractions  beyond  their  real  consequence, 
while  spiritual  things  are  but  too  dimly  seen,  I  felt  dis- 
tressed, and  yet  hardly  knew  where  to  begin  to  seek  re- 
lief. I  tried  to  cast  myself  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  in  all 
my  necessities.  I  think  God  has  answered  my  desires, 
though  in  a  manner  not  expected.  He  has  taught  me 
my  dependence,  and  granted  me  humbling  views  of  my- 
self. I  would  lie  low  at  his  feet,  and  receive  pardon  and 
grace  through  the  blood  of  Christ — preparation   for  com- 


MEMOIR.  65 

munion,  and  every  duty,  privilege,  and  trial.  And  oh  for  a 
godly  jealousy  over  my  heart  in  future,  that  it  may  not  be 
too  much  taken  up  with  the  vanities  of  time.  I  would 
even  labor,  in  passing  through  this  dangerous  world,  to 
keep  the  end  in  view,  and  so  to  live  that  I  may  find  rest 
and  safety  in  the  kingdom  above. 

"  September  23.  What  a  precious  acquisition  to  the 
community  of  disciples  do  we  anticipate  from   the  union 

of and to  our  number.     O  for  the  language  of 

praise !  Here  is  encouragement  for  parents.  Two,  early 
dedicated  to  God  in  baptism,  frequently  reminded  of  duty 
by  parental  watchfulness  and  pious  instruction,  are,  in  a 
time  of  general  unconcern,  singled  out  and  made  subjects 
of  grace.  Is  it  not  designed  as  an  illustration  and  en- 
forcement of  the  covenant?  Shall  it  not  animate  every 
parent,  every  friend,  to  diligence  and  faithfulness  in  duty  ? 
O  that  the  whole  church  might  arise,  and  cry  earnestly 
unto  God  for  a  continuance  of  the  blessing  ;  that  it  stop 
not  with  these  droppings,  but  increase  to  a  plentiful  show- 
er, watering  this  thirsty  heritage,  and  causing  the  fruits 
of  holiness  and  grace  to  abound. 

"November  14.  (Saturday  evening.)  How  often  do 
the  visions  of  hope  disappear,  and  give  place  to  sighs  and 
regrets.  Such  is  the  present  state  of  weak  erring  man. 
But  after  all  God's  goodness  to  me,  why  should  I  be  solici- 
tous 1  With  Him  are  ■  hid  treasures.'  With  Him  are 
infinite  sources  of  blessing,  both  temporal  and  spiritual. 
Why,  then,  shall  I  not  live  by  faith  ?  Satisfied  that  he 
knows  my  necessities,  I  will  make  application  to  him  for 
his  most  gracious  help. 

"  Thanksgiving  day.  Reminded  of  blessings  unnum- 
bered—innumerable. Oh  that  I  could  offer  suitable 
praise  for  such  matchless  goodness ! 


66  MEMOIR. 

"  January  2,  1819.  (Saturday  evening.)  The  clock 
has  just  struck  ten.  All  is  silent,  the  family  having  retir- 
ed to  rest.  The  lonely  hour  invites  to  contemplation. 
The  year  has  commenced  auspiciously.  The  voice  of 
prayer  and  praise  has  just  been  ascending  from  the  dear 
family  circle  in  which  I  am  happily  included.  What  so 
sweet  an  emblem  of  heaven  as  such  a  union  of  hearts  in 
an  employment  so  pure  and  elevating.  How  exalted  the 
privilege.  Added  to  the  interest  which  the  beginning  of 
the  year  awakens,  is  the  expected  approach  to  Christ's 
table  on  the  morrow.  The  remarks  of  our  brethren  at 
the  church  meeting  this  evening,  were  highly  appropriate 
and  solemn,  directing  our  thoughts  to  such  passages  of 
Scripture  as  the  following :  f  Behold,  the  hand  of  him 
that  betrayeth  me,  is  with  me  on  the  table.'  '  Lord,  is  it 
I  ? '  t  Who  trieth  the  hearts  and  reins.'  I  would  now  in 
secret  yield  myself  anew  to  Him  who  is  the  sovereign  Lord 
of  all,  casting  all  my  care  on  him  who,  I  hope,  careth  for 
me  as  one  of  his  people,  desiring  the  manifestation  of  his 
love,  the  light  of  his  reconciled  countenance,  a  foretaste 
of  salvation.  May  I  sit  under  his  shadow  with  great  de- 
light, having  the  fruit  of  his  ordinances  sweet  to  my  taste. 
All  through  his  infinite  mercy  in  Christ.     Amen. 

"  January  8.  '  Why  should  a  living  man  complain,  a 
man  for  the  punishment  of  his  sins  ? '  My  great  necessi- 
ties this  day  require  me  to  walk  softly  before  God,  and  to 
bow  low  at  his  throne  of  grace.  I  have  sinned.  I  think 
I  apprehend  something  of  the  meaning  of  that  passage  in 
the  89th  Psalm :  '  If  his  children  forsake  my  law,  and 
walk  not  in  my  judgments  ;  if  they  break  my  statutes,  and 
keep  not  my  commandments  ;  then  will  I  visit  their  trans- 
gressions with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with  stripes.' 
Thus  runs  the  disciplinary  part  of  the  covenant.     But  the 


MEMOIR.  67 

promises  follow.  In  them  may  I  find  refuge  and  peace 
after  the  chastisement  of  my  heavenly  Father.  '  Never- 
theless, my  loving  kindness  will  I  not  utterly  take  from 
them,  nor  suffer  my  faithfulness  to  fail.  My  covenant 
will  I  not  break,  nor  alter  the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my 
lips.'  O  Lord,  let  it  appear  that  thou  art  a  God  pardon- 
ing such  as  humble  themselves  before  thee.  Graciously 
bring  me  forth  from  this  furnace,  as  gold  purified. 
Thereby  fit  me  for  future  duty.  Direct  my  path.  Grant 
me  zeal  in  thy  service  ;  and  due  meekness,  as  a  necessary 
accompaniment  to  activity  in  thy  vineyard. 

"  January  30.  Oh  that  I  might  cheerfully  say,  it  is  my 
Father,  let  him  do  what  seemeth  good  in  his  sight.  Help 
me,  Author  of  grace,  that  my  confidence  may  rise  in  pro- 
portion to  the  present  call  for  it.  This  daily  warfare  is 
ordained  to  keep  the  spiritual  weapons  bright  by  constant 
use.  O  for  strength  of  faith  to  use  them  successfully  ! 
Heavenly  Father,  from  this  present  trial  wilt  thou,  who 
hast  many  times  delivered,  still  deliver  again — and  again 
make  me  to  triumph  through  thine  aid. 

"  March  22.     Welcome  such  trials  as  send   my  affec 
tions  towards  heaven.     Welcome   such    disappointments 
as  do  effectually  teach  me  to  rely  with  greater  confidence 
on  God. 

"  I  have  had,  of  late,  the  conviction  resting  on  my  mind, 
and  it  has  been  strengthened  by  several  circumstances 
which  have  occurred,  that  I  ought  to  try  to  live  to  greater 
purpose.  I  have  felt  disposed  to  embark  in  some  new  en- 
terprise. I  am  not  quite  settled  how  to  proceed.  Many 
difficulties  would  attend  the  accomplishment  of  some 
plans,  seriously  contemplated.  I  feel  the  need  of  caution, 
because  they  would,  no  doubt,  be  important  in  their 
bearing   on  my   subsequent   life,   and   I   know   not    ex- 


68  MEMOIR. 

actly  how  deeply  they  would  affect  my  best  interests. 
I  will  therefore  leave  them,  and  everything  respecting  my- 
self, in  the  hands  of  Him  in  whom  I  rejoice,  as  my  Hope, 
my  Deliverer,  my  Guide,  my  everlasting  Shield. 

"  May  10.  A  day  never  to  be  forgotten  !  What  un- 
looked  for  scenes  has  it  revolved  upon  me !  It  may  be 
that  this  is  the  developement  of  what  is  intended  by  the 
mysterious  impressions  which  have  of  late  rested  on  my 
mind.     The  Lord  guide  me  by  his  Spirit ! 

"  May  19.  I  bless  my  Heavenly  Father  for  granting 
me  further  enlargement  in  prayer,  so  that  I  am  enabled  to 
leave  my  whole  case  before  him.  I  cannot  tell  the  sweet- 
ness of  this  privilege.  It  fills  my  heart.  It  is  a  joy  with 
which  the  stranger  intermeddleth  not. 

"May  24.  (Monday  evening,  10  o'clock.)  I  have  given 
dear  Harriet*  the  parting  kiss,  and  said  'Adieu,'  for- 
ever, probably,  in  this  world.  The  farewell  meeting  at  her 
father's  has  been  serious  and  tearful.  Harriet  took  leave 
of  her  young  friends  with  feelings  remarkably  collected. 
On  her  face  I  saw  no  tear.  She  has  given  herself  to 
Christ  and  the  heathen,  and  wishes  not  to  go  back.  I  won- 
dered at  my  own  troublesome  sensibilities,  which  I  verily  be- 
lieve felt  all  for  her,  which  I  should  have  felt  had  I  been  in 
her  place.  I  could  wish,  were  I  to  be  called  to  the  sacri- 
fice, to  appear  as  she  did.  There  was  a  serious  dignity  in 
her  manner,  which  I  shall  not  soon  forget.  But  I  dare  not 
hope  that  I  could  maintain  it  under  such  circumstances ; 
yet  I  might  by  the  aids  of  grace.  I  would  do  some- 
thing for  my  Lord.  I  would  be  peculiarly  engaged  in 
his  service.  Heavenly  Father,  I  entreat  thy  direction.  I 
would  submit  it  to  Thee  how  and  where. 

*  Mrs.  Harriet  (Lathrop)  Winslow,  now  departing,  with  her  companions, 
on  their  mission  to  Ceylon. 


MEMOIR. 


"  June  29.  The  service  of  my  blessed  Redeemer  ! 
Yes,  I  ask  ability  to  engage  in  this  service  actively,  suc- 
cessfully ;  and  grace,  that,  after  having  labored  here  my 
appointed  time,  rejoicing  in  my  work,  I  may  enter  into 
everlasting  rest  in  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

"  July  1.  Since  the  age  of  sixteen,  how  various  have 
been  my  views  and  feelings,  and  the  scenes  through  which 
I  have  been  led  ;  how  narrow  have  been  my  escapes  ;  how 
wretched  would  have  been  my  state,  had  the  secret  wishes 
of  my  heart,  in  some  particular  instances,  been  accom- 
plished ;  how  dangerous,  in  others,  would  it  have  been, 
had  my  fondest  hopes  met  a  full  realization.  In  all  things 
the  providence  of  God  is  wise.  I  am  entirely  satisfied 
that  in  every  instance  in  which  he  has  denied  me,  that 
denial  has  been  for  my  good,  and  I  rejoice. 

"  July  4.  (Sabbath  morning.)  '  The  disciples  were 
early  at  the  sepulchre.'  Verily  I  have  need  to  'come  and 
see  the  place  where  the  Lord  lay.'  O  for  proper  appre- 
hensions, this  day,  of  his  dying  love,  his  rising  greatness, 
his  continued  intercession,  his  glorious  person,  his  holy 
character,  his  divine  requisitions,  his  complete  salvation  ! 
With  these  views  may  I  approach  his  table. 

"  July  6.  '  God  tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb.' 
Shall  I  disbelieve  that  the  peace  experienced  four  days 
past,  is  from  any  other  than  the  Lord?  No  raptures, 
but  a  sweet  calmness,  and  that  amidst  some  outward 
trials,  has  marked  my  way.  To  my  Redeemer  be  the 
praise  ! 

"  July  20.  Refreshing  indeed  are  the  assurances  of 
God's  word  to  his  trembling  people.  Soul,  art  thou  pros- 
trate at  his  feet,  continually  seeking  his  teaching,  his 
unerring  direction  ?  Oh  get  thee  there,  remain  there  ; 
and  there  drink  draughts  at  the  blessed  fountain,  that  shall 
satisfy  thy  thirst ;  there  listen  to  his  voice,  and  receive 
7 


70  MEMOIR. 

the  precious  promises  as  thine.     In  the  strength  of  love 
say : — 

*  Had  I  ten  thousand  hearts,  dear  Lord, 

I'd  give  them  all  to  thee : 
Had  I  ten  thousand  tongues,  they  all 
Should  join  the  harmony.' 

"  July  24.  (Saturday  evening.)  Wind  of  the  Spirit, 
breathe  on  this  cold,  lifeless  heart  of  mine,  and  wake  it 
to  warmth  and  vigor  and  life.  I  do  thirst  for  a  moment, 
sometimes,  for  a  more  abundant  draught  from  the  infinite 
fountain. 

"  July  25.  (Sabbath  morning.)  Blessed  hours !  How 
elevated  the  employment  appropriate  to  this  day.  What 
honor  does  it  confer  on  mortals  to  be  engaged  in  the 
work  and  worship  of  the  Lord. 

"  October  5.  I  dedicate  myself  anew  to  God.  I  in- 
tend to  live  more  for  him  than  I  have  done.  In  order 
to  this,  I  beseech  grace  to  be  more  prayerful  ;  to  be 
punctual  and  faithful  in  self-examination  ;  to  refrain  from 
foolish  conversation  ;  to  keep  a  strict  watch  over  all  my 
affections,  and  labor  after  a  humble,  quiet,  submissive 
frame  of  spirit. 

"  October  10.  (Sabbath.)  Our  Sabbath  school  had 
a  visit  to-day  from  the  celebrated  Lancaster,  author  of  the 
Lancasterian  system  of  instruction,  so  called.  The  visit 
was  one  of  interest,  and  adapted  to  be  useful.  The  school 
exercises  closed  early,  and  he  arose  to  address  the  teach- 
ers, which  he  did  in  such  a  simple,  affectionate,  impres- 
sive manner,  as  was  very  moving  to  the  feelings.  He  par- 
ticularly exhorted  them  to  unity,  and  self-dedication  to 
their  work,  together  with  much  earnest  prayer.  He  point- 
ed them  to  Christ's  command  to  Peter,  •  Feed  my  lambs.' 
He  encouraged  them  to  continue  their  labors  with  dili- 


MEMOIR.  71 

gence  and  perseverance,  though  immediate  results  should 
not  appear,  from  the  example  of  ■  the  shepherds,'  who  did 
not  cease  watching  their  flocks  at  night ;  that  it  was 
night  when  the  angel  appeared  to  bring  the  glad  tidings 
of  a  Saviour's  birth  ;  it  was  night  when  the  '  multitude  of 
the  heavenly  host '  joined  the  angel,  their  voices  broke 
upon  the  darkness  with  the  enraptured  shout,  '  Glory  to 
God  in  the  highest ;  on  earth  peace,  good  will  to  men.' 
He  urged  to  tenderness  and  forbearance,  from  the  exam- 
ple of  Jacob,  in  his  apology  to  Esau ;  '  The  children  are 
tender,  and  the  flocks  and  the  herds  that  are  with  me,  and 
if  men  should  overdrive  them  one  day,  all  the  flock  would 
die.'  He  closed  with  such  pathos  and  tenderness,  such 
elevated  sentiment,  such  devotional  ardor,  as  recalled 
forcibly  to  my  mind  the  words  of  Milton,  describing  the 
effect  of  Raphael's  discourse  on  Adam  : 

'  The  angel  ended,  and  in  Adam's  ear 
So  charming  left  his  voice,  that  he  a  while 
Thought  him  still  speaking,  still  stood  fixed  to  hear.' 

"  October  24.  Spent  a  very  interesting  hour  with  our 
venerable  friend  Mrs.  Lanman,  in  familiar  conversation  on 
experimental  religion." 

Mrs.  Lanman  was  an  elderly  lady  of  great  intelligence 
and  excellence  of  character,  and  truly  a  mother  in  Israel. 
It  is  delightful  to  see  such  an  one,  in  elevated  life,  using 
all  her  influence  for  Christ ;  admitting  the  young  to  free- 
dom of  intercourse ;  counselling,  encouraging,  aiding 
them  in  the  ways  of  truth  and  piety.  About  ten  years 
afterward,  on  perusing  the  funeral  sermon  of  Mrs.  Lan- 
man, are  the  following  remarks  :  "  It  recalled  some  affect- 
ing things  to  my  mind.     Well   do  I   remember  the  good 


72 


MEMOIR. 


old  lady's  chamber  of  prayer,  where  I  was  first  introduced 
to  a  circle  of  praying  females.  It  appeared  to  me  then 
as  <  the  gate  of  heaven.'  " 

"  November  2.  '  Lord,  I  believe,  help  thou  mine  un- 
belief.' Amidst  clouds  and  darkness,  thou  hast  assisted 
me,  as  I  think,  to  embrace  in  faith  the  promises  of  thy 
word.  The  recollection  of  such  times  gives  a  spring  to 
my  drooping  spirits,  and  cheers  me  in  my  endeavors  to 
do  thy  will. 

"November  13.  (Saturday  evening.)  Well  do  I  re- 
member the  feelings  which  arose  from  a  particular  cir- 
cumstance one  year  ago  this  evening.  Then,  in  this 
place,  I  knelt  with  inward  as  well  as  outward  prostration. 
Then  I  spread  my  cause  before  God,  and  entreated  his 
guidance.  I  told  him  my  desires  and  griefs.  I  made 
known  the  particular  temptations  which  surrounded  me. 
I  besought  that  I  might  not  be  brought  under  their  power. 
I  left  myself  with  him;  I  gave  myself  anew  to  him  ;  and 
the  season  was  refreshing.  In  due  time  he  sent  me  relief; 
and  has  left  me  to  admire  the  footsteps  of  his  providence, 
the  '  conduct  of  his  grace.'  This  evening  I  feel  called 
on  afresh  to  praise  him.  How  great  and  tender  his  care 
of  those  who  seek  him.  '  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee  for- 
ever.' 

"  November  27.  (Saturday  evening.)  The  evening 
returns  which  has  so  frequently  found  me  visiting  my  poor 
friends,  *  and  I  cannot  but  feel  pain  at  the  thought  that  such 
seasons,  useful  to  myself,  if  not  beneficial  to  them,  have  ceas- 
ed. I  have  been  out  in  the  little  arbor  at  the  end  of  the 
garden,  to  look  across  the  river  at  their  new  dwelling.  The 
moon  shone  brightly,  and  made  the  scenery  appear  beauti- 

*  See  the  notice  of  these  visits  before  given,  pp.  33—36. 


MEMOIR.  73 

ful.  Two  or  three  lights  from  the  house  twinkled,  and,  as 
I  fancied,  from  the  rooms  which  they  occupied.  At  the 
end  of  the  path  which  leads  from  the  house  to  the  water, 
was  another  light,  apparently  held  by  some  one  about  to 
embark  in  the  boat  which  lies  at  the  place.  The  water, 
the  islands,  the  surrounding  woods,  the  noisy  water-fall,  the 
lighted  houses  at  the  Mill  village,  with  the  steep  on  which 
I  was,  and  the  scenery  behind  me — the  garden,  house, 
and  buildings  attached — the  whole  presented  a  spectacle 
enchanting  beyond  description.  I  looked  at  the  house 
where  probably  a  few  were  thinking  of  me,  for  a  little 
season,  and  raised  my  petition  to  heaven  for  them.  The 
tears  of  memory,  pity,  hope,  started  from  my  eyes ;  I 
could  not  repress  them.  I  was  reminded,  too,  that  a  pe- 
riod not  far  distant  would  find  me  bidding  adieu  to  this 
charming  spot.  But  the  beauties  of  heaven  shall  be  eter- 
nal ;  and  amidst  them  shall  be  the  eternal  home  of  all 
God's  chosen  ones. 

"December  8.  (Wednesday.)  The  day  which  gives 
to  a  church  in  Newburyport,  in  which  I  feel  a  special  in- 
terest, a  pastor.  The  weather  is  delightful.  May  it  be 
an  emblem  of  all  that  is  to  follow  ! 

"  December  9.  After  the  holiest  duties  are  performed, 
how  apt  is  the  tempter  to  try  his  power  on  our  feeble  and 
vain  natures.  And  how  oft,  alas  !  he  gains  some  victory, 
as  a  counter-balance  to  the  victory  which  had  just  been 
won  from  him.  Thus  we  struggle  on.  But  Christ  is 
stronger  than  the  strong  man  armed.  To  all  who  trust  in 
him,  the  final  victory  is  sure— eternal  triumph. 

"December  19.  (Sabbath  evening.)  Last  evening 
was  observed  as  a  season  of  solemn  thanksgiving  and 
praise  to  God  for  his  mercies. 

"  January  8,  1820.  This  day  returns  the  anniversary 
of  a  most  interesting  occasion  under  date  of  1818.  How 
7* 


74  MEMOIR. 

fresh  and  sweet  is  the  recollection  of  that  season,  when, 
with  a  humbled  heart,  I  felt  constrained  to  set  apart  a 
day  of  private  fasting,  and  prayer  to  God  for  particular 
favors.  The  lonely  situation  of  myself,  sisters  and  broth- 
er, a  family  of  orphans,  had  produced  in  my  mind  a  deep 
conviction  of  the  necessity  of  some  interposition  in  our 
behalf.  After  much  serious  and  painful  consideration, 
and  many  secret  tears,  it  came  to  my  mind  that  God 
must  be  '  our  refuge  and  strength,'  our  '  help  in  time  of 
trouble.'  I  reasoned  thus  :  To  whom  shall  I  go,  but  un- 
to God  ?  Who  else  can  do  for  us  what  we  need  1  He  is 
infinite  in  wisdom  ;  infinite  in  power  ;  infinite  in  mercy. 
To  God  will  I  resort.  In  a  day  set  apart  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  with  fasting,  will  I  draw  near  to  Him,  earnestly 
desiring  him  to  direct  our  steps,  and  stretch  out  his  holy 
arm  in  interpositions  for  us,  such  as  he  shall  see  to  be  for 
our  good. 

"  The  day  was  a  rich  blessing  to  my  own  soul.  A  sweet 
calmness  pervaded  it ;  added  to  which  was  an  abiding  be- 
lief that  God  would  regard  my  supplications ;  and  I  be- 
lieve that  my  prayer  has  been  answered.  Gladly  do  I  be- 
hold the  day  that  brings  to  my  recollection  how  great 
things  God  hath  done  for  me,  and  the  beloved  ones  with 
whom  I  am  connected.  Joyfully  would  I  spend  this  day  in 
ascriptions  of  praise  to  Him,  who  inclined  my  heart  to 
wait  on  him,  and  to  continue  waiting  ;  and  hath  shown 
himself  faithful  in  his  covenant  with  the  needy. 

"  January  15.  My  field  of  usefulness  is  diminished. 
My  poor  friends,  while  they  were  in  my  neighborhood, 
called  forth  my  sympathies,  and  furnished  me  many  hours 
of  interesting  employment.  It  is  a  source  of  deep  regret, 
and  makes  me  sometimes  sad,  that  I  have  no  prospect  of 
visiting  them,  or  others  where  I  might  do  similar  kindness, 
during  the  inclement  season ;  and  I  am  often  fearful  that 


MEMOIR.  75 

I  shall  forget  those  sweet  charities  which  warmed  and 
animated  my  bosom,  while  objects  were  near  towards 
which  they  were  cherished.  I  have,  however,  one  pre- 
cious privilege  and  means  of  usefulness  left.  It  is  access 
to  a  throne  of  grace.  There  I  may  come  for  myself  and 
others ;  for  individuals,  churches,  nations ;  the  whole 
household  of  God,  a  world  of  sinners. 

"  January  27.  My  birth-day.  The  years  glide  away, 
and  what  record  do  they  leave  of  me  ?  Alas  !  how  do 
they  tell  of  my  remisness  in  duty ;  of  the  little  accom- 
plished by  my  instrumentality.  Oh  to  be  made  more 
faithful  in  fulfilling  the  purposes  of  my  being." 

The  foregoing  passages,  from  the  journal  of  Miss  Mar- 
vin— being  occasional  notices,  scattered  through  a  period 
of  between  six  and  seven  years — furnish  a  general  de- 
velopement  of  her  habits  of  thought  and  feeling  during 
that  time,  and  of  the  kind  of  life  she  was  living.  The 
developement  is  alike  honorable  to  her  mind  and  heart. 
There  is  manifest,  it  will  probably  be  acknowledged  by 
all,  a  vigor  of  intellect,  a  maturity  of  views,  an  accuracy 
and  thoroughness  of  religious  knowledge,  a  self-control, 
a  reliance  on  the  promises  of  God,  a  spirit  of  habitual 
devotion,  a  love  of  prayer  and  of  doing  good,  a  feeling 
that  she  was  to  live,  not  for  herself,  but  for  Christ  and 
his  kingdom,  and  a  constant  reference  to  eternity — much 
more  than  is  usual,  especially  with  persons  in  early  life. 
How  unlike  this,  to  the  course  of  one  who  lives  for  show ! 
Yet  she  was  not  a  gloomy  Christian.  There  was  nothing 
of  asceticism  about  her.  There  was  a  buoyancy  of  spirit, 
and  a  going  out  of  herself  in  sympathy  with  those  around 
her — sympathy  with  their  joys,  as  well  as  their  sorrows — 
and   a   heart   feeling   an    interest   in   every   thing,   that 


76  MEMOIR. 

made  her  religion  a  cheerful  religion.  The  prayer  and 
the  active  service  rendered  by  her  to  Christ  during  these 
years,  constituted  an  amount  of  religious  life  and  influ- 
ence, which  could  not  have  been  spared  without  loss 
to  the  world ;  and  also  gave  presage  of  what  was  to  be 
realized  in  her  subsequent  course. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Her  Marriage — The  views  with  which  she  entered  on  the  duties  of  her  new 
station. 

On  the  4th  of  May,  1820,  Miss  Marvin  was  married  to 
the  Rev.  Luther  F.  Dimmick,  of  Newburyport,  Massa- 
chusetts, and  shortly  after  accompanied  her  husband  to 
the  field  of  his  labors,  where  she  passed  the  remainder  of 
her  life. 

The  views  with  which  Mrs.  Dimmick  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  her  new  station,  were  in  harmony  with  the  char- 
acter she  had  previously  exhibited.  From  her  first  thought 
of  becoming  the  wife  of  a  Christian  minister,  the  subject 
presented  itself  to  her  as  one  of  great  moment.  "  The 
duties  to  which  you  invite  me,"  she  said,  "  are  arduous, 
and  yet  of  high  interest.  They  are  such  as  an  angel 
might  delight  in.  I  am  not  insensible  to  their  exalted 
nature,  or  to  the  pleasure  which  must  flow  from  the  faith- 
ful performance  of  them.  But  accompanying  this,  there 
is  a  painful  sense  of  deficiency  in  my  own  case,  which  to 
hide  would  be  deception,  and  would  make  future  devel- 
opement  doubly  to  be  deplored.  I  shrink  from  the  pros- 
pect.    The  ground  is  consecrated,  I  fear  to  tread  it." 

Sentiments  like  these  she  frequently  expressed  while 
she  had  the  subject  under  consideration,  or  the  duties 
were  in  prospect.     June  3,  1819.     "  I  should  never  dare 


78  MEMOIR. 

to  engage  in  the  duties  of  such  a  station,  did  I  not  rest 
upon  that  passage  of  inspired  truth,  '  I  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ  which  strengtheneth  me.'  "  July  3.  "  If 
I  contemplate  my  future  prospects,  as  a  companion  of  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  how  much  aid  ought  I  fervently 
to  supplicate  that  I  may  meet  properly  the  responsibilities 
of  such  a  station."  August  8.  "  Will  God,  indeed, 
strengthen  me  to  do  something,  though  it  should  be  com- 
paratively but  a  little,  in  his  service.  May  I  labor  in  his 
vineyard,  honoring  his  name.  This  I  shall  account  the 
highest  honor  to  myself;  an  honor  not  always  appreciat- 
ed by  the  world,  but  which  shall  appear  in  its  reality  in 
the  future  kingdom,  where  spiritual  things  shall  rise  in 
their  glory,  and  Christ  shall  recompense  his  faithful  ser- 
vants." "  When  my  heart  sinks,  Cowper's  remark  comes 
to  my  remembrance,  *  Arms  shall  be  provided  with  or- 
ders.' "  Aug.  17.  "  God  has  done  much  for  me  in  call- 
ing me  to  such  a  service,  in  which  he  has  gratified  the 
peculiar  taste  and  feelings  which  he  has  himself  implant- 
ed." Nov.  21.  "I  find  it  very  necessary  specially  to 
supplicate  for  myself  qualifications  for  a  service  which 
appears  increasingly  important." 

She  had  prayed  that  God  would  direct  in  regard  to  the 
particular  field  or  location,  which  her  expected  compan- 
ion and  herself  should  occupy.  Thoughts  had  been  enter- 
tained of  a  mission  to  the  heathen.  Though  she  never  had 
felt  the  deep  conviction  of  duty  in  regard  to  the  mission- 
ary life  which  some  others  have  felt,  and  considered  her- 
self less  fitted  than  many  others  for  some  of  its  peculiar 
duties  and  trials,  yet  the  surrender  of  herself  to  her  Crea- 
tor was  entire  :  "  With  Thee,  all,  all  is  left,  do  Thou  thy 
sovereign  pleasure."  "  I  submit  to  thee  how  and  where. 
Let  thy  providence  and  grace  select,  accomplish."  "  Lord, 
do  thou  direct.     May  God's  will  be  my  will." 


MEMO,*.  79 

When  her  thoughts  came  to  be  directed  towards  the 
place  she  at  length  occupied,  the  subject  assuming  greater 
definiteness  in  her  view,  she  was  still  more  solicitous  for 
preparation  to  meet  whatever  the  providence  of  God  should 
devolve  upon  her.  Sept.  16.  "  Am  I  at  all  prepared  to 
enter  so  responsible  a  station?  I  fear  that  I  am  not." 
"  Anew  would  I  devote  myself  to  thee,  O  thou  King  in 
Zion,  great  Head  of  the  church,  and  to  thy  service.  Gifts 
and  grace  are  with  Thee.  Qualify  me  for  important  ser- 
vice in  thy  kingdom.  Teach  me  especially,  ignorant  as  I 
am  of  the  peculiar  duties  thou  mayest  require,  (though  I 
trust  congenial  with  the  taste  thou  hast  given  me,)  and 
aid  me,  that  thy  name  may  be  glorified,  and  good  accom- 
plished. Bestow  what  is  needful ;  supply  what  is  lacking. 
I  yield  myself  to  Thee,  to  be  moulded  '  after  the  coun- 
sel of  thy  will.'"  Sept.  19.  "  May  heart  and  soul  be 
fully  engaged  in  whatever  service  may  await  me,  and  in 
whatever  place.  Give  me  a  '  zeal  according  to  knowl- 
edge' ;  special  love  to  the  particular  work  I  may  have  to 
do  ;  health  of  body,  as  well  as  soundness  of  mind ;  and  all 
meetness  for  the  exemplary  and  right  discharge  of  all  to 
which  I  may  be  called."  Nov.  18.  "  I  earnestly  implore 
grace  to  maintain  constant  activity  in  the  service  of 
Christ."  Nov.  27.  "  I  feel  that  I  need  an  increase  of 
qualifications — particularly  an  increase  of  knowledge, 
faith,  and  love."  Dec.  8.  (The  day  of  her  future  hus- 
band's ordination.)  "  May  we  both  be  this  day  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  Christ  in  his  church  by  the  unc- 
tion of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Remembering  that  we  have 
been  bought  with  His  precious  blood,  may  we  devote  our- 
selves faithfully  to  the  work  He  shall  give  us  to  do." 
Jan.  12,  1820.  "I  am  afraid  your  people  are  expect- 
ing more,  by  a  great  deal,  than  they  can  possibly  have  in 
me,   and  this  frequently  gives  me  uneasiness.     Do  try, 


80  MEMOIR. 

when  you  have  suitable  opportunity,  to  convince  them  that 
in  this  they  must  set  their  views  very  low."  Jan.  23.  "  I 
have  been  seriously  questioning  myself  as  to  my  prepara- 
tion of  heart  to  be  the  companion  of  a  Christian  minis- 
ter, and  aid  him  in  his  important  work.  I  have  much 
cause  for  humiliation  and  self-abasement ;  and  I  pray 
that  all-sufficient  grace  may  fit  me  for  every  duty  that  will 
devolve  on  me,  and  keep  me  from  dishonoring  that  holy 
name  I  profess  to  serve  and  love."  March  20.  (Sab- 
bath evening.)  "  This  evening  I  have  endeavored  to  give 
myself  to  my  Saviour  anew  for  his  special  service.  But 
I  am  a  poor  feeble  creature.  I  do  not  know  whether  I 
ever  shall  do  you,  or  the  church  of  Christ,  any  good." 
"  It  is  better,  indeed,  to  be  a  little  Christian,  than  no 
Christian;  and  if  I  can  attain  this,  I  must  be  grateful." 
March  27.  "  Make  thy  face  to  shine  on  me,  O  Lord, 
that,  growing  in  grace,  I  may  come  to  thy  work  with  ac- 
tivity and  holy  zeal,  to  fill  a  place  vacated  by  one  eminent 
in  piety  and  much  beloved,  [Mrs.  Spring,]  so  as  to  bring 
honor  to  thy  name.     Prepare  me  for  duty,  I  entreat  thee." 

The  passages  which  have  now  been  brought  to  view, 
have  been  taken,  partly  from  her  private  record,  and 
partly  from  her  letters  during  the  period  in  question,  the 
whole  thrown  together  in  the  order  in  which  they  were 
written.  They  show  that,  in  looking  forward  to  the  ser- 
vice to  which  she  expected  to  be  called,  she  sought  not 
her  own  indulgence.  It  was,  indeed,  a  service  which 
would  gratify  the  peculiar  taste  and  feelings  which  God 
had  given  her,  and  the  faithful  performance  of  which,  she 
felt,  would  afford  her  much  pleasure.  But  she  had  not 
the  most  distant  thought  of  making  her  position  a  sine- 
cure. She  did  not,  even  in  her  family,  expect  a  life  of 
ease  ;  or  to  live  to  receive  good,  without  imparting  it.     It 


MEMOIR.  81 

was  not  congenial  to  her  nature.  Whatever  considera- 
tion her  station  as  a  clergyman's  wife  might  give  her,  she 
desired  to  lay  it  all  on  the  altar  of  God,  and  use  it,  with 
every  other  possession,  for  his  glory  and  the  highest  good 
of  those  among  whom  it  should  be  her  lot  to  dwell.  The 
following  is  her  first  record  after  arriving  at  the  place  of 
her  future  residence. 

"  Newburyport,  4th  July,  1820.  In  this  place,  on  this 
day,  recognizing  God's  hand  in  all  the  past,  I  commence 
a  new  era  of  my  life.  Father  of  infinite  mercies,  I  am  a 
living  monument  that  thou  art  God ;  that  thou  art  what 
thou  hast  revealed  thyself,  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  the 
Helper  of  the  defenceless,  the  Hearer  of  prayer,  the 
Guide  of  youth,  the  great  God  that  doeth  all  things,  and 
bringeth  to  pass  all  his  counsel.  Help  me  to  adore  and 
bless  thy  name,  full  of  wonder  ;  assist  my  spirit  to  holy 
joy,  that  I  am  made  to  understand  thy  power  and  love  in 
all  the  dispensations  of  thy  hand  toward  me.  Let  no  un- 
holy pride  find  entrance  into  my  heart ;  for  thou  per- 
formest  thy  works  for  thine  own  sake,  for  the  display  of 
thy  sovereignty,  for  the  exercise  of  thy  benevolence,  for 
the  fulfilment  of  thy  promise  to  Christ  thy  Son,  and  that 
the  highest  note  of  the  redeemed  may  swell  with  the  ac- 
clamation, '  Not  unto  us,  not  unto  us,  but  to  thy  name 
be  the  glory  ! '  Lord,  do  thou  bring  every  power  which  I 
possess  into  captivity  to  thyself,  and  employ  me  wholly  in 
thy  service.  Great  is  my  work :  let  my  faith  and  love 
also  be  great,  and  great  my  spirit  of  obedience." 


S 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  province  of  Woman  —  Mrs.  Dimmick's  domestic  virtues  —  Her  special 
qualifications  for  a  Clergyman's  Wife. 

Much  is  said  of  the  province  of  woman.  By  some, 
woman's  appropriate  sphere  is  made  exceedingly  narrow  ; 
by  others,  it  is  made  exceedingly  wide. 

It  is  no  derogation  from  woman's  honor,  to  suppose  that 
she  is  created  for  purposes  somewhat  peculiar ;  that,  in 
the  all-wise  counsels  of  the  sovereign  Creator,  she  is  ap- 
pointed to  a  service  in  some  important  respects  different 
from  that  of  man.  The  voice  of  nature  itself,  through 
all  nations  and  through  all  time,  teaches  that  it  is  so. 
The  very  constitution  of  the  different  sexes  shows  them 
designed  for  different  spheres.  Man  has  more  of  strength  ; 
woman  has  more  of  frailty.  Man  has  more  of  roughness; 
woman  has  more  of  delicacy. 

"  For  contemplation  he,  and  valor  formed, 
For  softness  she  and  sweet  attractive  grace." 

Man  has  more  of  independence,  and  loves  to  extend 
protection  ;  woman  has  more  that  is  confiding,  and  that 
rejoices  under  the  shadow  of  another's  care.  Man  has  — 
or  should  have — a  certain  something  which  we  call  man- 


MEMOIR.  83 

Uness.  Woman  has  a  certain  something  different  from 
this,  which  we  call  womanliness.  Each,  in  the  subject  to 
which  it  appropriately  belongs,  is  beautiful,  excellent, 
admirable ;  but  each,  transferred  to  the  opposite  sex,  is 
out  of  place  and  awakens  repugnance.  An  effeminate 
man — a  masculine  woman — no  one  delights  to  contemplate 
such  an  object. 

The  two  classes,  therefore,  judging  from  the  very  con- 
stitution of  their  being,  are  manifestly  designed  for  differ- 
ent courses  of  action.  Man  is  fitted  for  the  severer  du- 
ties— for  the  forum,  the  senate-chamber,  the  judge's  bench, 
the  toils  of  the  field,  the  scenes  of  the  stormy  ocean. 
Woman  is  fitted  for  calmer  avocations.  Woman's  sphere 
is,  primarily,  her  house.  "  Where  is  Sarah,  thy  wife  1 " 
said  the  Infinite  One  to  the  father  of  the  faithful.  "  And 
he  said,  Behold,  in  the  tent !  "  Beautiful  picture  !  Woman 
is  the  light  of  her  house  ;  she  is  the  ministering  angel 
to  her  household  ;  the  presiding  genius  in  the  domestic 
establishment ;  the  life,  the  animating  spirit,  the  adorning, 
of  all  we  mean  by  the  sacred  word  Home  ! 

It  is  in  view  of  the  considerations  now  mentioned,  that 
the  apostle  gives  his  directions  on  this  subject.  "  Let 
your  women  keep  silence  in  the  churches  :  for  it  is  not 
permitted  unto  them  to  speak.  .  .  .  For  it  is  a  shame  for 
women  to  speak  in  the  church."  "  I  suffer  not  a  woman 
to  teach,  nor  to  usurp  authority  over  the  man,  but  to  be  in 
silence."  The  rougher  employments,  the  bolder,  do  not 
become  her  ;  she  was  not  made  for  them.  Among  the 
twelve  apostles,  there  was  no  woman  appointed — not  one. 
Among  the  seventy  disciples,  we  are  not  informed  that  a 
single  woman  was  included. 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  views  obtained  from  these 
expressions  of  the  apostle,  and  these  facts  in  scriptural 
history,  respecting  the  province  of  woman,  are  not  to  be 


84  MEMOIR. 

so  pressed  as  to  preclude  her  from  engaging  in  any  but 
strictly  family  cares.  Miriam,  and  Deborah,  and  Hul- 
dah,  were  prophetesses,  acting,  in  some  sense,  in  public 
capacities,  and  some  of  them  at  least  uttering  responses 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Deborah,  indeed,  told  Barak, 
that  on  him  it  devolved  to  lead  in  the  enterprise  of  conduct- 
ing Israel  against  their  enemies.  But  when  he  declined, 
she  took  the  responsibility  on  herself,  adding,  "  notwith- 
standing the  journey  that  thou  takest  shall  not  be  for 
thine  honor ;  for  the  Lord  shall  sell  Sisera  into  the  hand 
of  a  woman."  It  was  not  the  appropriate  business  of 
woman  to  stand  at  the  head  of  this  movement,  but  of  man. 
If  man  failed  in  duty,  the  exigency  might  justify  woman 
in  doing  what  would  not  otherwise  have  been  so  proper. 
Yet  even  this  was  done,  doubtless,  as  also  the  acts  of  the 
others  mentioned,  in  a  manner  comporting  with  the 
modesty  appropriate  to  the  female  character.  Anna  was 
a  prophetess,  and  "  departed  not  from  the  temple,  but 
served  God  with  fastings  and  prayers  night  and  day,"  in  a 
manner,  without  question,  becoming  the  modesty  of  her 
sex.  Philip,  the  evangelist,  "  had  four  daughters,  vir- 
gins, which  did  prophecy,"  in  retired  ways  it  is  to  be 
presumed,  and  such  as  were  dictated  by  female  delicacy, 
exerting  many  influences  for  the  advancement  of  religion, 
and  perhaps  speaking  sometimes  by  inspiration  of  the 
Spirit.  Phebe  was  a  "  servant  of  the  church  at  Cenchrea." 
Paul  says,  "  Salute  Tryphena  andTryphosa,  who  labor  in 
the  Lord.  Salute  the  beloved  Persis,  which  labored 
much  in  the  Lord."  And  again,  "  Help  those  women 
which  labored  with  me  in  the  gospel."  They  labored, 
unquestionably,  in  a  manner  consonant  with  his  own 
rules  ;  if  it  had  not  been  so,  he  would  not  have  spoken 
thus  commendingly  of  them. 

There  is  a  work  for  woman,  then,  directly  connected 


MEMOIR.  85 

with  the  advancement  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  Be- 
sides "looking  well  to  the  ways  of  her  own  household," 
besides  "  stretching  out  her  hand  to  the  poor  and  to  the 
needy,"  imitating  the  example  of  Dorcas,  who  was  "  full 
of  good  works  and  alms-deeds  which  she  did,"  she  may, 
in  retired  and  modest  ways,  speak  for  God  ;  may  "  labor 
much  in  the  Lord ;"  may  labor,  in  an  appropriate  way, 
and  subject  to  apostolic  rules,  in  private  counsel,  instruc- 
tion and  prayer,  thus  aiding  the  commissioned  minister 
of  God  in  the  gospel.  Indeed,  woman  never  appears  in 
her  true  glory,  till  her  heart  is  thus  expanded ;  till,  as 
opportunity  offers,  she  has,  in  her  gentle  and  persuasive 
eloquence,  a  word  of  admonition  for  the  wayward,  of 
consolation  for  the  sorrowing,  of  instruction  for  the  igno- 
rant, of  direction  for  the  inquiring.  Her  winning  influ- 
ence, which  finds  its  way  to  the  heart  where  rougher  en- 
deavors are  repelled,  it  is  her  duty,  as  it  is  her  glory,  to 
consecrate  to  Christ  and  his  cause. 

Especially  is  this  required  in  the  wife  of  a  clergyman. 
Some  one  has  said,  that  a  woman  may  lead  an  inquirer  to 
her  pastor.  Why  may  she  not  lead  an  inquirer  to 
Christ  ?  If  God  has  given  her  an  understanding  adequate, 
and  a  heart  to  feel  and  pray,  and  a  tongue  to  speak,  and 
she  meets  with  one  asking  what  he  shall  do  to  be  saved, 
why  shall  she  not  herself  direct  him  to  the  cross— to  "the 
Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world," 
relying  on  almighty  grace  to  make  her  endeavors  the 
means  of  eternal  life  to  a  perishing  soul  1  "lam  de- 
prived," says  Calvin,  "  of  the  most  excellent  of  partners 
for  life — optima  socia  vita — who,  had  it  been  necessary, 
would  have  been  my  willing  companion  not  only  in  ban- 
ishment and  want,  but  in  death  itself.  During  her  life 
she  was  a  true  helper  in  my  official  duties." 

Mrs.  Dimmick  passed  between  the  two  extremes.  She 
8* 


86  MEMOIR. 

did  not  neglect  her  house.  So  far  as  duty  required,  she 
was,  like  the  ancient  exemplar,  "  in  the  tent."  She  was 
the  light  of  her  house  ;  the  presiding  genius  in  the  man- 
agement of  its  affairs ;  the  enlivener  of  all  the  sweet 
charities  that  bless  the  family  circle  ;  laboring  to  fulfil 
woman's  great  destiny  in  this  most  important  station  of 
her  earthly  existence.  The  vision  of  the  perfect  woman, 
presiding  and  directing  in  all  the  affairs  of  her  house, 
and  conferring  blessings  on  her  household,  was  before  her 
mind,  and  she  endeavored,  as  far  as  practicable  in  this  im- 
perfect state,  to  realize  it  in  her  life. 

Among  the  virtues  that  shone  in  Mrs.  Dimmick's  man- 
agement of  her  house,  was  frugality.  Waste  gave  her 
pain.  Extravagance  was  opposed  to  all  the  sentiments  she 
was  accustomed  to  cherish.  As  a  friend  has  observed  since 
her  departure,  she  "  had  a  modest  taste."  In  dress,  in 
furniture,  she  was  ready  to  do  with  as  little  as  was  con- 
sistent with  her  station.  Her  table  was  spread  with  things 
wholesome  and  abundant,  but  not  lavish  in  dainties.  "  In 
every  thing,"  as  a  judicious  obituary,  soon  after  her  de- 
cease, expresses  it, "  her  desire  was,  with  decent  simplicity, 
to  make  her  family  and  friends  comfortable,  rather  than 
incur  expense  for  needless  things." 

In  her  house  she  was  also  a  pattern  of  industry.  She 
had  no  idle  time.  It  was  a  settled  principle  with  her,  that 
life  was  given  to  be  employed  ;  and  though  in  her  sta- 
tion, many  duties  devolved  on  her  of  a  peculiar  character, 
different  from  household  cares,  yet,  as  the  mistress  of 
a  family  she  was  abundantly  diligent.  In  the  numerous 
duties  pertaining  to  woman  at  the  head  of  her  house, 
she  accomplished  more  than  many  who  have  these  avoca- 
tions alone  to  pursue.  Her  life  was  a  carrying  out  of  the 
remark  made  of  her  early  years  ;  "  she  was  never  known 
to  be  idle." 


MEMOIR.  87 

Her  versatility,  or  the  ease  with  which  she  could  turn 
from  one  duty  or  employment  to  another,  was  striking ; 
from  superintending  some  culinary  process,  for  instance,  to 
the  entertaining  of  company,  and  from  company  back  to  the 
previous  duty — from  her  needle,  to  redress  the  grievances 
of  a  child,  or  hear  a  lesson,  and  this  despatched,  back  to 
the  needle  again.  Whatever  might  be  her  particular  en- 
gagement, a  superior  claim  always  found  her  ready  to  re- 
linquish it.  Nor  was  the  interruption  attended  with 
peevishness,  as  is  too  often  the  case  ;  it  was  met  with  good 
nature  and  cheerfulness.  The  remark  of  another  was 
frequently  repeated  by  her,  in  connection  with  incidents 
of  this  sort ;  "  The  one  who  wishes  to  see  me,  is  the  one 
I  wish  to  see." 

She  delighted  in  making  her  house  the  seat  of  hospi- 
tality. One  of  the  sources  of  satisfaction  in  having  a 
house  of  her  own  was,  that  it  might  be  for  the  entertain- 
ment of  friends.  In  a  letter  of  July  2S,  1824,  she  alludes 
to  this  subject.  Some  apprehension  having  been  expressed 
that  she  was  doing  more  than  her  strength  would  enable 
her  to  sustain,  she  replied,  "  It  is  the  natural  result  of 
the  station  we  fill.  I  trust  we  shall  ever  be  able  to  use 
hospitality  without  grudging.  I  can  assure  you,  from  ex- 
perience, that  there  is  much  real  satisfaction  in  the  prac- 
tice of  this  virtue.  It  contains  a  double  blessing ;  it 
blesses  him  that  gives,  as  well  as  him  that  receives.  The 
apostle  enjoins,  '  Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  strangers ; 
for  thereby  some  have  entertained  angels  unawares.'  I 
often  find  this  the  delightful  result ;  at  least,  those  who 
are  the  care  of  angels,  and  who  shortly  will  be  '  as 
the  angels,'  are  thus  brought  to  my  acquaintance.  Who 
can  but  delight  to  open  his  door  and  his  heart  to  a  fellow- 
pilgrim  journeying  the  same  way  to  the  same  heavenly 
home  with  himself,  surrounded  by  the  same  enemies,  and 


DO  MEMOIR. 

animated  by  the  same  spirit,  and  serving  the  same  Lord? 
I  am  too  happy  in  the  duty  of  entertaining  friends, 
especially  Christian  friends,  to  be  willing  to  lay  aside  or 
diminish  aught  from  the  practice." 

Mrs.  Dimmick  diffused  around  her,  in  her  house,  an  air 
of  cheerfulness.  She  made  her  guests  feel  that  they  were 
welcome,  and  thus  put  them  at  ease.  Her  intercourse 
with  them  was  intellectual,  as  well  as  social  and  moral, 
tending  to  improve  the  mind  and  the  heart.  At  a  very 
early  period,  her  views  were  incidentally  expressed  on  this 
subject.  "  May  my  house  be  ordered  after  the  rules  of 
God's  word.  May  all  who  shall  be  around  me  witness 
correctness  of  habits,  prudence  in  management,  kindness 
and  sweetness  of  temper,  in  all  circumstances  proceed- 
ing from  a  principle  of  love  to  God  and  love  to  men — a 
supreme  desire  to  glorify  Christ  before  the  world,  that  his 
kingdom  may  be  promoted."  This  was  her  idea  of  her 
house,  that  it  should  be  held  for  God,  and  be  the  abode 
of  frugality,  industry,  hospitality,  all  the  virtues  that  ren- 
der a  family  and  visiters  happy,  and  all  the  influences 
that  favor  the  higher  interests  of  another  state  of  exis- 
tence. 

In  the  religious  instruction  of  her  household  she  was 
specially  diligent.  The  Sabbath  school  lesson  of  the  chil- 
dren was  repeated  to  her,  usually  Saturday  afternoon,  and 
pains  were  taken  that  they  should  well  understand  it.  It 
was  her  wish  that  each  child  should  commit  to  memory 
entire  the  Assembly's  Shorter  Catechism  ;  which  was  done 
by  all  who  had  been  under  her  care  a  sufficient  length  of 
time.  Sabbath  evening  she  would  often  repeat  with  them 
this  compend  of  Christian  doctrine,  that  it  might  be  kept 
fresh  in  their  minds,  and  for  her  own  satisfaction  also  ; 
speaking  of  the  benefit  which  had  accrued  to  herself  from 
having  learned  it  in  her  youth,  and  the  pleasure  its  truths 


MEMOIR.  89 

still  afforded  her,  and  urging  their  importance  to  the 
young  mind.  Once  a  week,  usually  Saturday  evening,  it 
was  her  custom  to  spend  a  season — half  an  hour,  some- 
times an  hour — with  those  in  her  employ,  in  serious  con- 
versation about  spiritual  things,  and  especially  their  own 
spiritual  welfare.  To  this  evidently  it  may  be  traced,  in 
connection  with  the  more  general  influences  which  she 
exerted,  that  a  large  proportion  of  those  who  resided 
with  her,  during  the  years  of  her  house-keeping,  were 
spiritually  benefitted  in  her  family — a  number  having  there 
received  their  first  abiding  religious  impressions,  and 
commenced  the  Christian  life. 

Mrs.  Dimmick  extended  her  beneficence  beyond  the 
circle  of  her  own  family.  The  poor,  the  afflicted,  the  in- 
firm, the  aged  who  had  few  friends,  drew  forth  her  pecu- 
liar sympathy.  The  developements  of  her  early  life  in 
regard  to  this  subject,  were  only  a  sample  of  what  con- 
tinued substantially  to  the  end.  There  seemed  ever  reign- 
ing in  her  bosom  much  of  the  sentiment  commended  by  our 
Saviour  ;  "  When  thou  makest  a  feast,  call  the  poor,  the 
maimed,  the  lame,  the  blind  ;  and  thou  shalt  be  blessed ; 
for  they  cannot  recompense  thee  ;  for  thou  shalt  be  recom- 
pensed at  the  resurrection  of  the  just."  It  gave  her  a 
rich  satisfaction,  when  it  could  be  done,  to  invite  such  to 
her  house.  Often,  too,  was  a  plate  sent  from  her  table, 
with  a  portion  for  some  needy  one.  According  to  her 
means,  she  was  ever  ready  and  prompt  to  do  good  to 
all. 

Mrs.  Dimmick  had  a  great  reverence  for  age.  It  was 
her  delight  to  honor  it,  and  minister  to  its  necessities. 
"  What  dignity  attaches  to  age,"  she  remarked,  "  especial- 
ly when  found  in  the  way  of  righteousness ;  when  the 
mind  is  stored  with  wisdom,  and  the  heart  with  the  graces 
of  piety.     It  surpasses  all  the  excellence  of  youth,  and  is  an 


yU  MEMOIR. 

object  on  which  the  eye  loves  to  dwell."  The  passages 
of  the  Bible  relating  to  this  subject,  she  highly  appreciat- 
ed. "  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother."  "Thou  shalt 
rise  up  before  the  hoary  head,  and  honor  the  face  of  the 
old  man,  and  fear  thy  God."  And  she  thought  it  one 
of  the  most  appalling  indications  of  depravity,  and  one  of 
the  darkest  presages  of  approaching  evil,  when  "  the  child 
behaves  himself  proudly  against  the  ancient,  and  the  base 
against  the  honorable."  No  decrepitude,  bending  under 
a  weight  of  years,  or  poverty,  or  obscurity,  could  turn 
away  her  regard  from  age.  She  saw  in  it  what  God 
requires  us  to  honor,  and  toward  which  her  heart  rose  up 
spontaneously  in  obedience  to  his  command. 

But  the  labors  of  Mrs.  Dimmick  were  not  simply  the 
domestic  duties,  and  common  charities,  now  alluded  to. 
Beyond  this  circle,  indeed,  what  she  attempted,  was  at- 
tempted with  an  habitual  regard  to  what  she  believed  to 
be  woman's  appropriate  sphere.  To  the  voice  of  nature, 
through  all  times  and  in  all  countries,  assigning  woman 
a  work  corresponding  to  her  fragile  .frame  and  shrinking 
mind,  she  did  not  stop  her  ears.  To  the  teachings  of  the 
Scriptures  on  this  subject,  as  on  others,  she  felt  it  her 
honor  to  yield  the  most  ready  obedience.  The  scrip- 
tural rule  was  to  her  no  galling  yoke,  but  a  rule  of  light 
and  of  love. 

On  the  other  hand,  what  liberty  God  allowed  her,  what 
opportunities  he  opened  before  her,  and  what  ability  he 
had  given  her  to  be  useful  to  her  fellow-creatures — these 
she  wished  to  use,  all  of  them,  in  his  service  and  to  his 
glory.  She  was  not  one  of  those  who  inquire  how  little 
they  may  do — how  narrow  they  may  make  the  circle  of 
their  influence — without  forfeiting  the  Christian  character 
and  the  favor  of  God.  She  rather  inquired  how  much 
she  might  do— over  how  wide  a  circle  she  might  spread 


MEMOIR.  91 

her  influence — and  labored  to  fill  that  circle  with  as  many 
acts  of  duty  as  she  had  strength  to  perform. 

Mrs.  Dimmick  had  some  peculiar  qualifications  for  a 
minister's  wife.  As  a  helper  to  her  husband  in  the  pecu- 
liar work  of  his  profession,  few  probably  have  surpassed 
her.  Mention  might  be  made  here  of  her  assiduities  in 
sickness,  which  were  such  as  to  merit  the  most  grateful 
remembrance.  No  toils,  no  watchings,  were  in  her  es- 
teem too  much  to  be  endured.  The  nurse  shone  in  her 
with  impressive  faithfulness.  But  more  than  this — and 
more  appropriately  pertaining  to  the  theme  mentioned — 
in  her  character  she  was  intellectual.  She  was  a  lover 
of  knowledge.  Though  a  slender  constitution,  as  already 
remarked,  prevented  her,  during  many  of  her  first  years, 
from  tasking  herself  in  the  schools  as  others  did,  yet,  be- 
side the  common  branches  of  education,  she  early  made 
herself  acquainted  with  the  more  important  branches  of 
history,  and  some  of  the  best  poets  and  works  of  taste. 

After  she  became  a  clergyman's  wife,  and  had  family 
and  parochial  cares,  she  still  redeemed  time  for  reading. 
In  the  line  of  religious  reading  alone,  besides  many  other 
volumes,  large  and  small,  and  besides  periodical  and  news- 
paper articles,  constantly  occurring,  she  early  read  Scott's 
Commentary  on  the  Scriptures  entire  ;  then  Henry's  Com- 
mentary entire  ;  and  in  the  last  two  or  three  years  of  her 
life,  Adam  Clark's  Commentary  entire.  The  last  men- 
tioned, in  particular,  has,  through  all  its  parts,  numerous 
marks  made  by  her  hand,  against  passages  that  struck  her 
with  peculiar  interest  or  force,  showing  that  it  was  read 
with  care. 

Among  her  papers  is  a  slip  containing  a  "  list  of  books 
read  in  1825,"  and  another,  "  a  list  read  in  1826."  The 
authors  on  whom  she  bestowed  her  attention  were  such  as 
follow :  Foster,  Buck,   Mason,   Flavel,   Erskine,   Irving, 


W&  MEMOIR. 

Wilberforce,  Orton,  Rambach,  Butler,  Baxter,  Dwight, 
Marshall,  Milner,  Davies ;  beside  the  smaller  works  that 
fell  in  her  way.  The  list  entire  would  show  a  large 
amount  of  intellectual  labor  performed.  This  may  serve 
as  a  hint  to  those  who  think  they  cannot  get  time  to  read. 
Mrs.  Dimmick  was  not,  indeed,  encumbered  with  the  care 
of  young  children  ;  yet  she  had  a  family,  and  besides 
that  not  a  few  extraneous  duties  to  perform. 

It  ought  to  be  stated  in  connection  with  the  things  now 
brought  to  view,  that  Mrs.  Dimmick  was  at  this  time 
favored  with  having  a  sister  with  her.  This  sister,  Miss 
Penelope  Jarvis  Marvin,  a  little  older  than  herself,  came 
to  reside  with  her  soon  after  her  marriage,  and  continued 
with  her  till  her  own  marriage,  in  1826.  By  this  sister, 
between  whom  and  herself  there  was  the  warmest  attach- 
ment, Mrs.  Dimmick  was  relieved,  in  part,  in  regard  to 
household  cares,  and  was  enabled  thus  to  devote  more 
time  to  reading,  and  the  other  objects  mentioned,  than 
she  could  otherwise  have  done. 

The  love  of  reading  was  often  of  signal  service  to  her 
husband.  During  their  married  life,  they  generally  had 
some  book  of  interest  to  both,  to  read  together  ;  the  reading 
of  which  was  performed  by  her,  while  it  was  his  privilege 
to  hear.  Every  man — and  especially  every  clergyman 
— has  some  weary  hours,  in  which  he  is  unfit  for  any  men- 
tal exertion.  He  can  throw  himself  down,  and  receive 
knowledge  if  it  is  brought  him — rest,  and  be  instructed 
at  the  same  time.  In  these  hours,  and  in  some  days  of 
partial  illness,  Mrs.  Dimmick's  services  in  this  respect 
have  been  of  signal  benefit.  Many  are  the  volumes  and 
periodicals  and  pamphlets,  which  she  and  ner  husband 
have  thus  gone  through  together. 

Her  reading,  moreover,  especially  of  the  lighter  and 
ephemeral  productions,  in   many  instances,  furnished  her 


MEMOIR.  93 

husband  with  a  general  view  of  their  character,  without 
the  trouble,  on  his  part,  of  perusing  them,  any  striking 
passages  being  marked  for  his  benefit.  Beside  all  which 
it  qualified  her  to  be  a  profitable  companion  intellectually, 
as  well  as  in  humbler  pursuits. 

While  Mrs.  Dimmick  had  an  intellectual  character,  she 
had  also  a  nature  susceptible  of  the  highest  feeling. 
Some  individuals  are  constituted  with  a  very  clear  and 
accurate  mind,  capable  of  intellectual  effort,  but  are  de- 
ficient in  heart ;  the  power  of  emotion  lies  dormant,  or 
exists  in  them  in  but  an  imperfect  degree.  Others  again 
are  constituted  to  feel  strongly — are  often  the  subjects  of 
powerful  emotion — to  whom  discriminating  and  sound 
judgment  is  not  given  for  its  regulation.  In  Mrs.  Dim- 
mick there  was  a  combination  of  the  intellectual  and  the 
moral  in  very  just  proportions.  While  she  had  a  mind  to 
appreciate  truth,  she  had  also  a  heart  to  feel  in  view  of  it. 
There  was  nothing  of  the  stoic  about  her.  Her  soul 
was  instinct  with  life ;  and  from  whatever  quarter  truth 
reached  her,  there  was  a  waking  up  of  warm  responding 
sentiments.  When  she  thought  of  God,  there  was  devo- 
tion, emotions  of  reverence  and  praise  ;  when  she 
thought  of  Christ,  there  was  love  and  thankfulness  for 
his  great  salvation  ;  when  she  thought  of  the  past,  she 
seemed  herself  to  live  over  again  its  scenes ;  when  she 
thought  of  the  future,  it  was  present  to  her  in  some  de- 
gree as  a  reality.  The  worlds  of  science  and  taste,  as  far 
as  she  had  entered  these  departments,  met  an  active 
response  from  her  bosom.  Towards  heaven,  all  her  inner 
powers  kindled.  While,  on  the  other  hand,  the  sentiment 
of  the  Psalmist  was  her's,  "  Horror  hath  taken  hold  upon 
me,  because  of  the  wicked  that  forsake  thy  law." 

This  balance  in  her  character — the  power  to  think,  and 
the  power  to  feel — strong   in  both   its  parts,  her  friends 


94  MEMOIR. 

cannot  but  love  to  contemplate,  in  praise  of  the  good- 
ness which  made  her  so,  and  in  hope  that  her  example 
may  be  of  use  in  promoting  similar  traits  in  others. 

One  of  the  ways  in  which  Mrs.  Dimmick  rendered  aid 
to  her  husband  in  his  ministerial  work,  was  that  of  stand- 
ing between  him  and  interruptions  from  company.  Every 
pastor,  indeed,  has  need  to  mingle  with  men  ;  with  the 
church  and  people  of  his  charge,  and  with  such  portions 
of  the  great  world  as  may  be  moving  around  him.  Yet 
the  pastor  cannot  be  always  in  company.  He  must  have 
his  secluded  hours — hours  free  from  interruption.  More 
than  this,  the  choicest  part  of  his  time  he  must  live  in  his 
study,  if  he  would  prosecute  effectually  the  ministry  which 
he  has  received.  And  highly  favored  may  he  consider 
himself,  if  he  has  a  companion  gifted  with  the  powers  of 
conversation,  who  is  able  and  ready  to  entertain  such 
company  as  he  cannot  conveniently  see  ;  who  can  be  his 
representative,  to  some  extent,  in  the  intercourse  of  social 
life,  and  report  to  him  whatever  of  passing  information  it 
may  be  important  for  him  to  possess.  Such  a  companion 
is  a  connecting  link  between  him  and  his  people,  of  great 
value ;  doing  a  work,  often,  which  he  could  not  do,  and 
saving  him  his  time  for  the  higher  duties  of  the  study — 
the  careful  and  profound  investigations  of  truth — without 
which  no  ministry  can  be  permanently  successful. 

And  few  wives  of  clergymen,  probably,  have  rendered 
their  husbands  more  valuable  service  in  this  respect,  than 
the  subject  of  this  Memoir.  She  possessed  a  talent  for 
conversation,  above  what  is  ordinary.  It  met  her  taste  to 
mingle  with  intelligent  minds  and  especially  with  such  as 
are  usually  inclined  to  visit  a  clergyman's  house.  She 
often  felt  visits  from  such  to  be  profitable  to  herself;  and 
when  it  was  otherwise,  if  she  could  make  them  profitable 


MEMOIR.  95 

to  others,  she  was  satisfied,  and  rejoiced  in  the  good  ac- 
complished. 

Her  ideas  of  the  Christian  ministry — of  its  ends  and 
duties — were  of  the  most  enlarged  and  elevated  kind. 
She  viewed  the  ministry  as  one  of  the  leading  institutions 
of  God,  and  it  was  sacred  in  her  esteem.  To  aid  the 
ministry  she  deemed  her  highest  honor,  as  it  was  her 
highest  delight.  Her  conversations  in  regard  to  the  min- 
istry— its  duties,  and  the  methods  of  performing  them — 
were  instructive  and  profitable.  In  speaking  with  her 
on  these  themes,  the  individual  always  felt  that  he  was 
conversing  with  one  who  had  thoughts  worthy  to  be  listen- 
ed to — a  judgment  not  lightly  to  be  disregarded.  Her 
suggestions  were  of  value,  often,  in  respect  to  topics  for 
discourses,  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  times  ;  supplied 
hints,  not  unfrequently,  towards  the  filling  out  of  their 
parts,  or  making  them  better  for  a  second  delivery  after 
she  had  heard  them ;  and  were  much  in  place  in  regard 
to  the  manner  of  their  delivery.  Further  than  this,  when, 
in  the  hurry  of  composition,  her  husband  has  wanted  a 
historical  fact,  or  a  scrap  of  poetry,  her  memory  has  fre- 
quently supplied  him  with  the  reference,  or  her  industry, 
cheerfully  withdrawn  from  other  avocations,  has  sought  it 
out  for  him.  Services  of  this  kind  have  been  too  numer- 
ous and  valuable,  and  too  cheerfully  rendered,  to  be  easily 
forgotten. 

Mrs.  Dimmick's  sympathies,  as  well  as  a  sense  of  duty, 
led  her  to  be  a  frequent  visitant  at  the  houses  of  sickness 
and  affliction.  What  she  had  done  in  this  respect,  in 
earlier  years,  had  been  a  school  qualifying  her  for  such 
services.  Her  visits  at  such  places  are  believed  to  have 
been  always  acceptable,  often  strongly  desired,  and 
manifestly  useful.  Beside  any  little  temporal  aid  she 
might  afford,  when  it  was  needed,  her  kind  interest  usual- 


96 


MEMOIR. 


ly  awakened  an  interest  in  return.  Her  affectionate  coun- 
sels, by  the  side  of  the  sick  bed,  or  to  the  sorrowing  heart, 
were  soothing,  and  always  tended  to  direct  the  sufferer  to 
the  true  source  of  help.  She  had  the  faculty  of  discrimi- 
nating in  regard  to  different  cases,  and  urging  the  need- 
ful truth  with  peculiar  fidelity  and  tenderness,  to  which 
was  added,  frequently,  prayer  with  the  afflicted,  fervent, 
from  the  warmth  of  her  heart. 

She  had  more  than  ordinary  skill  in  directing  inquirers 
on  the  subject  of  religion.  She  was  accustomed,  gen- 
erally, when  circumstances  allowed,  to  accompany  her 
husband  to  those  more  private  meetings  appointed  for 
the  serious  minded  for  personal  conversation,  where  males 
and  females  were  mingled  together  ;  and  her  conversa- 
tion in  these  meetings  with  different  individuals  was  often 
of  great  value  ;  it  was  discriminating,  it  was  decided,  it 
was  faithful.  Those  who  were  anxious  to  find  the  right 
way  loved  to  have  her  speak  to  them  ;  and  not  a  few 
are  the  cases  in  which  benefit  was  received  from  the  words 
of  her  lips ;  some  instruction  conveyed  to  the  mind,  or 
some  doubt  resolved,  or  some  weak  purpose  strengthened, 
or  some  conviction  deepened — something  done,  towards 
the  grand  result  of  reconciliation  to  God  and  eternal  life. 

Many  also  were  the  hours  which  she  spent  at  her  own 
house  with  individuals  who  called  expressly  to  converse 
with  her  in  regard  to  their  spiritual  interests.  "  No  other 
one,"  said  an  individual  who  had  thus  done,  "  was  ever 
so  great  a  help  to  me,  in  leading  me  to  the  strait  gate,  if 
indeed  I  ever  found  it.  She  had  the  power  of  choosing 
out  acceptable  words."  In  cases  of  difficulty,  doubt, 
timidity,  embarrassment,  she  was  patient,  and  acted  with 
good  judgment  and  fidelity.  Time,  which,  under  some 
circumstances,  a  pastor  can  with  difficulty  spare,  she 
could  more  conveniently  bestow.     And  it  was  bestowed 


MEMOIR.  97 

always  cheerfully ;  and  it  is  believed  that  the  record  of 
such  labors,  in  the  light  of  another  world,  will  disclose  a 
high  amount  of  good  thus  accomplished. 

The  Sabbath  school,  after  her  settlement  in  life,  as  be- 
fore, continued  to  be  a  chosen  field  of  her  labor.  She 
was  still  an  efficient  teacher,  and  for  several  years  an  as- 
sistant to  the  superintendent  in  the  female  department ; 
and  was  rarely  absent  from  her  place,  when  at  home  and 
in  health.  The  sickness  which  terminated  in  her  death, 
alone  separated  her  permanently  from  this  employment. 

In  the  female  prayer-meeting  she  felt  a  deep  interest, 
and  made  effort  to  render  it  useful.  Before  she  came  to 
her  new  place  of  residence,  she  says,  "  It  gave  me  much 
satisfaction  to  know  that  there  are  with  you  female  meet- 
ings for  fasting  and  prayer  ;  much  good  may  be  hoped 
from  such  meetings."  When  she  came,  she  entered  into 
them  with  her  characteristic  ardor. 

For  many  years,  moreover,  she  was  connected  with  the 
Female  Orphan  Asylum  of  Newburyport,  as  a  member 
of  its  Board  of  Managers  ;  and  "  was  considered  emi- 
nently qualified,"  "  both  by  her  mental  accomplishments, 
and  judicious  councils,  to  preside  or  aid  in  the  manage- 
ment of  this  or  any  society." 

A  passage  from  the  "  obituary,"  mentioned  on  a  former 
page,  may  properly  be  inserted  here. 

"  As  the  wife  of  a  clergyman,  and  in  the  peculiar  du- 
ties devolving  on  her  in  that  station,  she  shone  perhaps 
more  brightly  than  in  any  other  relation.  She  not  only 
cherished  in  her  own  breast  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the 
gospel,  but  she  also  earnestly  desired  their  universal  preva- 
lence and  reception.  To  witness  their  influence  in  her 
own  heart,  as  a  rule  of  action,  and  producing  their  legiti- 
mate fruits,  we  must  go  with  Mrs.  Dimmick  in  her  more 
9  * 


98  MEMOIR. 

retired  walks.  We  must  accompany  her  to  the  dwellings* 
of  the  poor,  to  the  chamber  of  the  sick,  to  the  bedside 
of  the  dying,  and  to  the  house  of  sorrow  and  mourning, 
and  witness  her  private  charities,  listen  to  her  sympa- 
thizing consolations  and  counsels,  witness  her  tears,  and 
hear  her  direct  them  all  to  the  Great  Physician  of  body 
and  soul — and  then  lead  those  of  her  own  sex,  in  the 
fervent  prayer  of  faith,  to  that  Almighty  Physician  and 
Saviour.  We  must  accompany  her  to  the  stated  female 
prayer  meeting,  and  witness  with  what  fervor,  earnest- 
ness and  perseverance,  like  one  of  old,  she  wrestled 
with  God,  for  spiritual  blessings  on  his  church,  and  on 
the  world  !  and  almost,  like  him,  refused  to  be  denied  ! 
We  must  go  with  her  as  she  accompanied  her  husband  to 
the  meeting  for  inquiry  of  those  awakened  to  a  convic- 
tion of  their  lost  condition  and  anxious  for  their  immor- 
tal souls — and  we  must  follow  her  from  seat  to  seat,  or 
attend  such  anxious  souls  to  her  own  retired  parlor,  and 
there  listen  to  her  faithful  yet  affectionate  enforcement  of 
their  convictions,  and  there  hear  her  urge  them  to  the 
cross. 

"  In  scenes  like  these  was  the  deceased  best  known. 
Here  were  the  brightest  developements  of  her  Christian 
character  ;  here  her  brightest  evidences  of  her  meetness  for 
those  rewards  on  which  we  confidently  trust  she  has  en- 
tered. In  such  scenes  were  manifested  her  peculiarly  ap- 
propriate qualifications  for  a  pastor's  wife ;  as  an  efficient 
helper  in  his  labors. 

"  Her  heart  harmonized  with  all  the  great  movements 
of  the  day  for  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
in  the  world ;  to  the  most  important  of  which  she  was 
accustomed  to  make  her  annual  offering,  to  the  extent  of 
her  ability." 


CHAPTER    VI. 

Passages  from  her  Journal,  1820—1829. 

What  follows,  along  with  some  devotional  passages, 
will  be  a  confirmation  of  the  remarks  made  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  preceding  chapter.  Mrs.  Dimmick's  tendency 
to  review  the  past  is  still  manifest,  and  to  gather  instruc- 
tion and  encouragement  from  it  for  future  life. 

At  an  earlier  date  than  this,  she  speaks  of  a  sermon  by 
her  pastor,  Rev.  Alfred  Mitchell.  "  It  was  to  me,"  she 
says.  "  It  enforced  the  duty  of  making  eras  of  the  times 
of  particular  providences,  and  of  observing  them  afterward 
as  seasons  of  deep  consideration  and  renewed  dedica- 
tion to  the  service  of  .God."  This  thought  went  with  her 
in  her  subsequent  course. 

"  Oct.  16,  1820.  I  sometimes  look  back  on  the  past 
years  of  my  life  as  a  troubled  ocean,  where  I  have  been 
tossed  and  driven  by  adverse  and  conflicting  winds ;  yet 
amidst  all,  I  can  trace  many  bright  days,  when  sunshine 
and  soft  breezes  have  calmed  the  swelling  waves,  and 
gladdened  my  heart.  I  look  upon  its  agitations,  its  sun- 
shine, its  calms,  with  a  feeling  of  gratitude  for  the  mer- 
cies enjoyed,  and  with  keen  regret  that  in  all  there  has 
been  so  much  to  censure,  so  little  to  commend.     May 


100  MEMOIR. 

God  pardon  all  that  has  been  displeasing  in  his  sight,  and 
if  any  thing,  through  his  holy  Spirit's  influence,  has  been 
right,  graciously  accept  it,  and  use  it  to  glorify  his  own 
name ! 

"  Oct.  20.  O  thou  who  hast  set  me  in  so  responsible  a 
place,  purify  me  for  thy  service,  and  let  my  qualifications 
be  equal  to  my  need  !  Above  all  other  things  I  would  en- 
treat a  truly  devoted  heart,  which  shall  not  linger  in  duty, 
or  be  unmindful  of  it  in  its  season. 

"Oct.  22.  (Sabbath  evening.)  What  a  work  is  there 
before  me.  Every  day  my  duties  are  weighty  — not  a  few 
of  them  like  the  following  :  to  comfort  the  af$icted  ;  to 
soothe  the  wounded  spirit ;  to  visit  and  converse  with  the 
sick  and  dying ;  to  warn,  reprove,  exhort,  in  retired  ways, 
and  labor  to  win  precious  souls  to  Christ ;  to  be  always, 
and  in  all  circumstances,  an  example  to  others  ;  to  show 
forth  patience,  forbearance,  humility  ;  to  be  all  things  to 
all  men  for  their  good.  O  that  God  would  help  me,  and 
accept  my  humble  endeavors  in  his  service  ! 

"  Oct.  25.  The  active  busy  scenes  of  this  world  do 
not  necessarily  destroy  holy  feeling.  It  is  the  corrupt 
state  of  our  own  hearts  which  gives  them  their  power 
over  us.  In  respect  to  all  lawful  avocations,  we  should 
serve  God  in  them,  and  then  we  should  be  safe. 

"  Oct.  31.  My  heart  never  appeared  more  prone  to 
evil,  than  now.  I  have  lost  that  sweet  comfort  which  I 
once  possessed  with  little  interruption.  O  God !  who  hast 
sheltered  me  amidst  many  calamities,  leave  me  not  now 
to  my  spiritual  foes.     I  wait  for  thy  salvation. 

"  Nov.  19.  (Sabbath  morning.)  Just  going  to  the 
Lord's  table.  O  that  I  might  have  better  preparation. 
Will  God  teach  me  what  I  am,  and  give  me  supreme  de- 
sires for  his  glory,  and  suitable  desires  for  my  own  eter- 
nal happiness,  and  the  happiness  of  my  fellow  men  ! 


MEMOIR.  101 

"  Nov.  22.  (Thanksgiving  day.)  A  day  which  calls 
me  to  a  review  of  my  mercies — mercies  innumerable ! 
Among  them  may  be  reckoned  my  opportunities  for  serv- 
ing my  Redeemer.  I  have  a  work  like  that  of  angels  ; 
O  for  a  zeal  like  theirs  !  that  I  may  perform,  like  them, 
every  errand  of  mercy,  with  a  mind  filled  with  holy  love, 
and  energy  warm  and  heavenly  ! 

"  Nov.  23.  My  morning  visits  have  been  pleasant — the 
Lord  make  them  a  means  of  good.  It  was  pleasant  to 
give  thanks  with  Mrs.  B.  who  seemed  enlivened ;  and  I 
thought  her  nurse  appeared  affected  by  the  conversation. 
Mrs.  L.  was  also  tender.  O  that  God  would  bless  our 
conversation  to  her  spiritual  benefit.  I  go  again  to  my 
work  ;  the  Lord  grant  me  grace,  and  glorify  his  own 
name. 

"  Nov.  29.  It  seems  needful  for  me,  that  prospects 
should  sometimes  darken,  that  I  may  feel,  He  doeth  all 
things  well ;  for  I  am  never  so  disposed  to  trust  him,  and 
live  on  his  grace,  as  at  such  seasons. 

"  Dec.  8.  The  anniversary  of  my  husband's  ordina- 
tion. Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  hath  given  success  to  his 
ministry,  and  made  him  instrumental  of  gathering  twenty- 
six  into  the  church  this  first  year  of  his  ministerial  ser- 
vice ;  though,  without  doubt,  in  good  part,  he  hath  enter- 
ed into  the  labors  of  his  respected  predecessor. 

"  As  for  myself,  I  would  ask  renewed  strength  and  ho- 
liness of  heart,  that  I  may  show  forth  the  praises  of  my 
Redeemer ;  and  upon  my  beloved  husband  may  all  heav- 
enly influences  descend,  qualifying  him  for  every  future 
duty. 

"  Wilt  thou,  Great  Head  of  the  church,  bless  this  hum- 
ble spot,  [her  husband's  study,]  dedicated  to  thee,  and  to 
preparation  for  thy  service.  Here  may  heavenly  wisdom 
descend,  silently  and  sweetly  into  the  bosom  of  thy  ser- 


102  MEMOIR. 

vant.  Here  may  sacred  science  enlighten  his  understand- 
ing, and  holy  devotion  warm  his  heart.  From  this  place 
may  he  ever  go  to  the  sanctuary,  to  the  altar,  and  to  his 
various  labors,  with  a  prepared  heart  and  all  due  qualifi- 
cation to  serve  thee. 

"  Dec.  22.  Anniversary  of  the  Landing  of  our  Fore- 
fathers at  Plymouth,  and  the  second  centennial  occasion. 
This  day  should  be  deeply  interesting  to  every  New-Eng- 
lander.  A  little  band  whose  hearts  God  had  touched 
with  every  noble  sentiment,  sat  down  in  a  howling  wil- 
derness, amidst  December's  snows.  Their  little  colony 
they  nourished  by  their  labors,  watered  with  their  tears, 
and  sanctified  by  their  prayers.  Who  shall  not  cherish 
their  memory  ?  Who  shall  not  render  praise  to  God  for 
what  he  has  done  by  them  for  the  world's  benefit? 

"December  30.  Have  just  been  reading  the  book 
of  Job.  What  successive  afflictions  came  upon  him, 
after  his  high  prosperity.  How  painful  the  message 
last  brought  him,  '  the  young  men  (thy  sons)  are 
dead.'  Yet  what  an  inimitable  example  of  submission 
follows  these  heavy  tidings.  What  a  testimony  is  added  : 
'  In  all  this  Job  sinned  not,  nor  charged  God  foolishly.' 
With  the  wreck  of  all  his  prosperity  around  him,  and  his 
dearest  comforts  blasted  in  death,  not  a  murmur  escaped 
him  !  How  ashamed  should  we  be  of  our  daily  murmur- 
ings  at  Providence.  Lord,  enable  me  to  bear  small  trials, 
and  thus  prepare  me  for  greater  ones,  shouldest  thou  see 
fit  to  send  them. 

"  Jan.  14,  1821.  We  were  last  week  favored  with  a 
visit  from  Mr.  Ward,  for  twenty  years  a  missionary  in  In- 
dia. He  appears  a  warm-hearted  and  devoted  man.  Fif- 
ty dollars  were  collected  for  the  benefit  of  his  mission. 

"  Jan.  20.  Visited  yesterday  in  a  social  circle.  Was 
desirous  that  I  might  exhibit  more  decision  of  Christian 


MV.Mdll!  103 

character  than  is  often  the  case.  I  determined  to  say 
something  for  Christ.  And  yet  it  was  so  little  that  I  have 
occasion  to  ask  forgiveness. 

"  I  have  an  appointment  to  visit  the  alms-house  this  af- 
ternoon, with  a  friend,  to  converse  with  the  poor  inmates 
on  religion.  Such  a  task  has  been,  before  now,  one  that 
has  yielded  me  profit  and  pleasure.  It  is  a  satisfaction  I 
would  not  willingly  part  with,  to  reflect  that  I  have  been 
permitted  to  minister  to  their  comfort,  that  my  heart  has 
been  softened  to  a  fellow  feeling  with  theirs,  that  I  have 
in  many  respects  carried  their  griefs  on  my  mind,  and 
borne  their  interests,  temporal  and  spiritual,  to  the  throne 
of  grace.  Father,  I  thank  thee,  for  having  employed  me 
in  this  humble  yet  grateful  service.  May  I  have  assis- 
tance in  my  work  this  afternoon. 

"  Jan.  27.  My  birth-day — a  continuance  of  blessings, 
and  I  fear  of  equal  ingratitude.  The  day  was  made  pe- 
culiarly interesting  by  visiting  the  sick,  from  the  infant  to 
the  '  man  of  gray  hairs.' 

"  Feb.  15.  I  mourn  that  I  do  so  little  for  God.  This 
sitting  still,  or  remissness  in  duty,  is  as  fatal  to  Christian 
comfort  and  hope,  as  it  is  to  the  salvation  of  impenitent 
men.  I  feel  that  for  my  own  benefit  I  must  be  employed 
in  some  definite  exertions  for  the  promotion  of  Christ's 
kingdom.  This,  and  this  alone,  will  bring  into  exercise 
the  affections,  the  Christian  sympathies,  the  whole  train  of 
Christian  graces  which  the  gospel  requires,  and  afford  the 
desired  evidence  that  the  possessor  is  an  heir  of  heaven. 

"  Feb.  18.  (Sabbath.)  Returned  from  the  commun- 
ion table.  '  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,'  that  I  am  not 
a  heathen,  sunk  in  ignorance,  buried  beneath  the  shades 
of  moral  death.  For  what  would  I  be  deprived  of  the 
knowledge  I  have  of  God,  of  Christ,  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  of 
heaven,  of  hell  ?     O  that  my  heart  might  be  more  in  con- 


104  MEMOIR. 

formity  with  the  truths  I  know ;  and  may  God  pity  the 
dying,  and  make  haste  with  his  salvation  to  the  ends  of 
the  earth. 

"  March  16.  The  day  made  particularly  interesting  by 
entertaining  pious  literary  friends  ;  conversation  suited 
at  once  to  enlarge  and  purify  the  mind. 

"  March  18.  (Sabbath.)  Seven  persons  have  been  add- 
ed to  our  church  to-day,  four  of  whom  received  the  ordi- 
nance of  baptism.  A  household  of  children  have  also 
been  devoted  to  God  in  this  ordinance  of  his  appoint- 
ment. Who  could  be  willing  to  dispense  with  an  insti- 
tution so  impressively  reminding  parents  of  their  duties 
to  their  children,  and  so  forcibly  bringing  to  view  the 
provisions  of  God's  covenant  in  respect  to  them  ?  Let 
but  the  import  of  this  sacred  service  be  remembered,  and 
carried  out  in  practice,  and  one  of  the  greatest  steps  would 
be  taken  towards  the  universal  prevalence  of  the  kingdom 
of  Christ. 

"  March  8J.  Spent  the  former  part  of  the  day  in 
special  prayer,  that  I  may  have  more  holiness  myself,  and 
be  more  devoted  to  my  great  work,  and  also  that  God 
will  pour  out  his  Spirit  on  the  people.  In  the  latter  part 
of  the  day,  visited  a  neighbor  who  appears  gently  sink- 
ing to  the  grave — calm,  elevated  in  her  views  of  God,  of 
Christ,  of  heaven.  She  seemed  on  the  borders  of  that 
better  country  where  an  eternal  end  is  put  to  sin  and  sor- 
row, and  where,  as  she  herself  expressed  it,  '  there  is 
such  enlargement  of  the  capacity  of  the  soul  to  compre- 
hend and  to  enjoy.'  I  felt  myself  instructed  and  melted, 
and  was  enabled  with  her  to  bless  the  Lord,  and  suppli- 
cate his  further  favors.  Visited  another  house,  where 
were  feebleness  and  age  ;  but  the  spirit  manifested — alas, 
how  different !  To  introduce  religious  conversation  was 
difficult.     If  religion  was  hinted  at,  the  subject  was  treat- 


MEMOIR.  105 

ed  as  something  foreign  and  strange.  The  contrast  was 
painful.  Can  these  individuals,  so  different  in  their  re- 
ligious character  and  dispositions,  be  preparing  for  the 
same  heaven  1  Can  they  enjoy  the  same  objects  ?  It 
seems  impossible. 

"  March  25.  I  find  that  the  company  even  of  Chris- 
tian friends  may  ensnare  the  heart,  and  rob  us  of  com- 
munion with  our  God.  How  careful  should  we  be,  that 
nothing  interfere  with  our  seasons  of  retirement  and  de- 
votion. 

"April  1.  A  paragraph  in  the  Boston  Recorder  re- 
cently struck  me  with  great  force.  Speaking  of  minis- 
ters' wives,  it  said,  •  They  will  not  have  a  common  place 
either  in  heaven  or  hell ! '  I  tremble  to  be  in  a  station  of 
such  responsibility.  I  need  more  grace — more  grace  that 
I  may  act  my  part  aright.  Especially  in  visiting  the  sick 
do  I  often  feel  this  need  :  that  my  heart  may  be  full  of 
holy  sympathies  with  them  ;  that  on  my  tongue  there 
may  dwell  the  law  of  kindness,  while  from'* my  lips  the 
law  of  truth  may  not  depart.  My  thoughts  should  be 
more  on  the  work  of  my  life — the  advancement  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ. 

"  April  15.  Visited  the  alms-house  yesterday.  Found 
but  very  few  who  thought  seriously  on  the  subject  of  re- 
ligion. In  the  community  also  very  ^ew  are  inquiring 
after  the  great  salvation.  Earth,  and  not  heaven,  to  all 
appearance,  has  the  first  thoughts  and  choicest  affections 
of  the  great  majority  of  men. 

"May  3.  I  have  been  to  the  female  concert  this  after- 
noon, and  have  spent  most  of  the  day  in  reflection,  read- 
ing, and  prayer,  with  the  hope  that  I  may  think  less  of 
earth,  and  more  of  heaven.  Eight  persons  are  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  our  church  shortly. 

"  May  4.     I  thank  thee  for  having  given  me  so  much 
10 


106  MEMOIR. 

health  the  year  past,  and  for  opportunity  of  so  extensive 
acquaintance  with  the  people,  and  especially  with  the 
poor  of  the  flock. 

"  May  13.  How  can  I  be  useful  as  the  wife  of  a  cler- 
gyman, without  extensive  knowledge  of  spiritual  things, 
and  fervent  love  for  them  ?  I  am  in  a  situation  where  I 
ought  daily  to  speak  to  others  on  the  great  subject  of  re* 
ligion,  and  if  I  do  not  feel  deeply  its  power  in  my  own 
heart,  what  a  lifeless  attempt  it  will  be  !  I  would  consider 
it  my  highest  honor  to  live  for  God  ;  yet  I  am  not  what 
I  ought  to  be,  to  do  him  service.  I  want  increased  cour- 
age and  increased  ardor. 

"  May  25.  Oh  that  I  might  have  a  better  view  of  the 
worth  of  an  immortal  soul !  How  vast  a  prospect  opens 
before  it,  as  it  is  launching  away  into  eternity  !  I  had 
some  impressive  thoughts  of  it  yesterday,  when  I  visited 
Mrs.  F.  It  was  hard  to  tear  away  the  hope  she  cherished 
of  recovery  ;  but  it  seemed  a  kind  step  to  undeceive  her. 
The  Lord  grant  that  it  may  prove  an  eternal  benefit. 

"  June  9.  I  have  been  looking  at  a  passage  in  my 
journal,  Sept.  24,  1816.  That  was  a  moment  of  trial  ; 
but  I  felt  a  sort  of  pleasing  confidence  that  my  heavenly 
Father  would  appear  for  me,  and  place  me  in  a  situation 
where  I  could  more  extensively  and  effectually  serve  him. 
I  had  no  definite  apprehensions;  but  the  repose  I  felt  was 
solemn,  sweet,  and,  if  I  know  my  own  heart,  entire.  And 
I  believe  I  am  now  placed  in  that  situation.  Can  1  view 
it  otherwise  than  an  answer  to  prayer?  *  *  The  work 
which  thou  hast  given  me  to  do,  though  arduous,  is  a  de- 
lightful work,  when  thou  dost  grant  strength  and  grace. 
Lord,  enable  me  to  serve  thee  with  greater  purity  and 
spirituality. 

"  June  19.  Our  church  meeting  was  a  very  solemn 
one.     Every   heart  seemed  to  feel.     There  is  danger  lest 


VOL      LID/fyf   y> 

UNIVERSH 

it  should  be  only  a  momentary  excitement.  God  forbid 
that  it  should  be  so.  *  *  I  supplicate  grace  to  be 
more  of  an  helpmeet  for  my  husband,  in  his  labors  of 
love.  Great  Head  of  the  church,  fill  my  heart  with  thy 
love,  that  I  may  more  perfectly  serve  thee. 

"  June  23.  I  have  been  made  more  sensible  than  ever 
of  the  mercy  of  God  in  giving  me  a  home,  by  his  sending 
dear  friends  for  me  to  entertain,  and  whose  society  I  am 
permitted  thus  to  enjoy. 

"  Aug.  5.  I  must  not  forget  the  anniversary  of  my 
second  birth.  Let  it  serve,  at  this  time,  the  purposes  of 
humiliation,  that  I  have  made  so  little  progress  in  the  di- 
vine life.  I  am  sometimes  ready  to  '  write  bitter  things' 
against  myself;  still  I  do  hope  that  I  have  begun  to  live 
anew,  that  my  heart  has  been  arrested  by  divine  grace, 
and  my  spirit  brought  from  its  native  enmity  to  re- 
joice in  God  and  believe  on  his  only  and  glorious  Son 
Jesus  Christ.  The  memory  of  the  time  is  precious. 
How  changed  were  my  feelings ;  how  were  the  holy 
Scriptures  unsealed  to  my  understanding ;  what  a  de- 
lightful, sacred  spot  was  the  sanctuary ;  how  sweet 
the  retirement  and  duties  of  the  closet ;  how  lovely  every 
friend  who  bore  the  image  of  Jesus ;  how  unsatisfactory 
the  converse  of  unholy  companions  ;  how  precious  social 
worship.  I  felt  myself  brought  into  a  new  world,  with 
new  prospects  before  me,  new  objects  to  pursue,  new  in- 
terests to  secure,  glorious  beyond  what  I  had  before  con- 
ceived. O  that  my  many  sins  and  defects  may  be  for- 
given, and  that  grace  may  be  granted  even  to  unworthy 
me,  enabling  me  to  live  more  to  God  than  heretofore. 

"Aug.  21.  I  have  determined  to  set  apart  Tuesday  morn- 
ing of  each  week,  after  attending  to  domestic  cares  early, 
until  11  o'clock,  for  special  retirement,  reading  and  prayer, 
that  I  may  be  better  fitted  for  the  duties  of  my  station, 


108  MEMOIR. 

the  trials  of  life,  and  the  scenes  of  eternity.  I  pray  God 
to  grant  his  peculiar  blessing  on  these  seasons,  and  make 
them  for  my  edification  and  improvement.  I  expect  fre- 
quent interruptions,  and  do  not  know  how  long  I  shall  be 
able  to  maintain  the  practice.  I  have  found  the  season 
this  morning  a  pleasant  one. 

"  Aug.  27.  Day  of  special  humiliation  and  prayer  in 
our  church.  The  Lord  draw  near  this  day  ;  and  may 
we  by  his  Spirit  draw  near  to  him.  May  this  be  a  day 
of  blessing  to  our  souls.  May  we  be  prepared,  by  wait- 
ing on  God  to-day,  for  the  great  work  in  which  we  are 
engaged.  As  a  family,  may  we  receive  a  blessing.  O 
for  faith  to  embrace  the  promise,  and  for  love,  to  God  and 
his  service,  which  shall  never  tire. 

"  Jan.  30,  1822.  I  have  recently  had  fifty  volumes  of 
religious  books  put  into  my  hands  by  a  friend,  for 
circulation  in  the  parish,  and  among  those  generally  whose 
means  of  reading  are  limited.  I  have  tried  to  pray  that 
the  donor  may  be  recompensed,  especially  in  spiritual 
things,  and  that  those  who  shall  read  them  may  be  made 
wise  unto  salvation. 

"April  21,  (Sabbath.)  Last  evening  we  had  a  meet- 
ing of  the  baptized  children  with  their  parents.  The 
season  was  solemn,  and  we  hope  good  will  flow  from  it. 
O  Lord,  revive  thy  work,  and  let  the  children,  sustaining 
so  interesting  a  relation  to  thy  church,  be  the  first  fruits 
before  the  ingathering  of  a  plentiful  harvest.  *  *  In 
my  present  station  I  find  a  great  work  for  me  to  do. 
Lord,  give  me  courage,  and  wisdom,  and  prudence,  and 
skill  to  perform  it. 

"  July  3.  Some  seriousness  more  than  usual  among 
the  people.  O  Lord,  revive  thy  work  in  me,  and  let  saints 
and  angels  rejoice  at  the  progress  of  Christ's  kingdom  in 
one  who  has  lost  so  much  by  idleness  and   inattention. 


MEMOIfc.  109 

Great  searchings  of  heart  are  necessary.  O  to  be  a  real 
Christian — such  a  Christian,  that  conscience,  and  my  own 
family,  and  all  beholders,  shall  see  that  I  live  con- 
sistently with  the  professions  I  have  made. 

"  July  4.  The  anniversary  of  our  national  indepen- 
dence. At  8  o'clock  A.  M.  we  had  a  prayer-meeting  in 
our  church,  which  was  well  attended.  It  is  a  new  thing 
in  this  community  ;  but  it  is  certainly  not  unsuitable,  and 
tends  to  preserve  the  mind  in  a  proper  state  through  the 
scenes  of  the  day. 

"Aug.  16.  I  am  oppressed  with  a  sense  of  my  unfruit- 
fulness  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  One  of  my  greatest 
evils  is,  languor  in  all  duty.  O  how  I  long  to  feel  that 
sacred  nearness  to  a  throne  of  grace,  which  I  have  felt 
in  former  times.  Yes,  I  think  I  have  enjoyed  that  which 
was  to  me  more  than  my  necessary  food.  And  was  there 
ever  a  time  when  more  was  required  of  me  than  the  pres- 
ent ?  The  recent  special  favors  of  a  spiritual  kind  to  our 
congregation,  ought  to  be  a  spur  to  greater  exertion. 
Lord  quicken  me,  and  help  me  once  more  to  devote  my- 
self to  thee. 

"  Sept.  9.  Though  we  cannot  tell  of  great  num- 
bers gathered  into  the  ark  of  safety  during  the  lit- 
tle season  of  refreshing  we  have  enjoyed,  yet  we  would 
humbly  rejoice  that  a  few  have  been  made  to  feel  and 
acknowledge  themselves  sinners,  and  to  ask  how  they  can 
obtain  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God  ?  About  twenty 
have,  as  we  hope,  made  that  surrender  of  themselves  to 
the  Saviour,  which  is  the  result  of  saving  faith.  A  num- 
ber more  are  between  hope  and  fear,  and  a  still  larger 
number  are  yet  inquiring  on  the  subject,  some  with  more 
interest,  some  with  less.  It  may  readily  be  imagined, 
that  this  is  an  interesting  state  of  things  to  those 
who  are  '  watching  for  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  ac~ 
10* 


110  MEMOIR. 

count.'  Solemn  thought !  May  we  be  assisted  so  to 
watch,  as  to  obtain  the  approbation  of  our  Saviour  and 
our  Judge. 

"  Sept.  24.  I  hope  I  have  been  benefitted  by  a  recent 
visit  from  Miss  H.,  who  appears  singularly  devoted  to  her 
Saviour.  I  feel  desirous  to  be  more  useful  in  the  church 
than  I  have  heretofore  been.  Lord,  help  me  to  live  more 
for  thee  ;  oh  guide  my  feeble  steps  in  thy  way.  *  *  I 
have  been  looking  too  much  to  the  opinions  and  practices 
of  others.  Now  may  I  make  thy  word  the  man  of  my 
counsel,  and  may  thy  Spirit  be  my  guide,  and  every  pur- 
suit and  every  acquirement  have  stamped  on  it,  Holiness 
to  the  Ijord. 

"  Sept.  27.  (Evening.)  I  have  just  had  an  opportu- 
nity of  conversing  with  the  youngest  son   of . 

I  endeavored  to  draw  him  into  religious  conversation,  and 
to  speak  to  his  conscience  and  his  heart.  I  felt  animated 
and  strengthened  in  the  duty,  by  the  consideration  that 
his  dear  mother,  now  departed,  who  had  so  often  prayed 
for  him,  would  look  with  complacency  on  the  feeblest 
effort  to  bring  her  child  to  the  Saviour.  Lord,  forgive 
the  weakness  of  the  attempt,  and  add  thy  blessing  to  it; 
and  thy  blessing  shall  accomplish  what  the  mere  effort 
on  my  part  could  never  do. 

"  Oct.  5.  We  certainly  have  evidence  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  has  not  forsaken  us,  in  the  fact  that  there  have 
been  three  instances  of  hopeful  conversion  this  week. 
Christians,  too,  are  here  and  there  awaking,  and  call- 
ing, with  increased  desire,  on  a  prayer-hearing  and  prayer- 
answering  God.  Lord,  give  thy  people  more  definite 
and  enlivening  views  of  the  nature  and  glory  of  thy  king- 
dom, and  let  its  purity  and  excellence  be  a  new  and  all- 
constraining  motive  to  new  and  enlarged  obedience.  O 
to  be  able,  by  our  example,  conversation  and  prayers,  to 


MEMOIR.  Ill 

draw  our  dear  friends,  and  those  around  us,  to  enlist  in 
the  service  of  our  Lord  ! 

"  Oct.  20.  (Sabbath  evening.)  While  alone  this  even- 
ing I  have  been  penning  a  few  texts  of  Scripture,  with 
the  view  of  writing  them  out  fairly  and  placing  them  on 
the  mantel,  particularly  on  the  Sabbath,  for  our  admoni- 
tion to  a  more  spiritual  conversation.  *  *  I  have  also 
been  thinking  how  much  grace  I  need,  to  enable  me  to 
act  wisely  during  the  time  that  my  dear  brother  shall  be 
with  us,  that  I  may  impress  his  mind  with  a  proper  sense 
of  divine  things,  and  be  instrumental,  if  the  Lord  will,  of 
leading  him  to  attend  to  the  things  of  his  pea£e. 

"Dec.  11.  How  careful  ought  Christians  to  be  in 
their  daily  and  hourly  walk.  One  unguarded  expression, 
tinctured  with  levity  or  passion,  may  hinder  our  com- 
munion with  God  all  the  day. 

"  I  have  invited  two  or  three  young  ladies  to  see  me 
this  afternoon,  with  the  hope  of  doing  something  for  their 
good.  I  feel  much  interested  in  them,  and  desire  wis- 
dom and  skill  from  above,  that  I  may  rightly  commend 
religion  to  their  regard. 

"  Dec.  15.  (Sabbath.)  'Thou  hast  made  me  glad 
through  the  light  of  thy  countenance.'  There  is  a  bless- 
ing in  religion  ;  may  I  experience  more  of  it ;  and  par- 
ticularly may  I  have  communion  with  my  Saviour  at  his 
table  this  day.  I  desire  clearer  discoveries  of  the  plan  of 
redemption.  Do  the  angels,  those  mighty  spirits  that  ex- 
cel in  strength,  desire  to  look  into  its  mysteries  and  glo- 
ries, and  shall  not  the  children  of  men  thirst  after  a 
knowledge  which  so  much  more  nearly  concerns  them  ? 

"  Jan.  1,  1823.  With  the  opening  of  this  new  year,  I 
find  abundant  cause  to  cry,  '  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sin- 
ner ! '  I  look  back  on  the  past  year,  and  see  but  little 
accomplished  for  Christ,  either   in  my  own  advancement 


112  MEMOIR; 

in  the  divine  life,  or  in  efforts  to  further  his  kingdom.  I 
may  well  lie  low  in  self-abasement,  while  I  acknowledge 
still  that  his  hand  hath  been  with  us  doing  something  for 
us,  and  his  Spirit  hath  not  left  us. 

"  I  do  humbly  and  earnestly  desire  that  my  husband 
and  myself,  may  be  accepted  of  thee,  divine  Saviour,  at 
the  very  beginning  of  this  year,  for  the  performance  of 
thy  work  in  a  higher  degree  than  before ;  that  we  may 
have  more  love  to  thee  ;  more  knowledge  of  the  things  of 
thy  kingdom,  and  the  best  methods  of  promoting  thy 
glory  ;  more  zeal  for  the  performance  of  the  service  we 
owe  thee ;  more  enlarged  benevolence ;  more  extensive 
influence ;  and  more  health  and  strength  of  body  and 
mind  to  do  thy  will. 

"  Feb.  17.  Yesterday  our  church  was  blessed  with  a 
larger  addition  to  its  members  than  it  has  ever  before  had, 
at  one  time,  since  its  establishment.  I  trust  it  was  a  pro- 
fitable season  to  many.  What  shall  we  render  unto  the 
Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?  There  are  yet  numbers  anx- 
ious, though  every  thing  proceeds  very  quietly  ;  several 
are  trusting  in  Christ. 

"  March  16.  (Sabbath.)  At  home  all  day  with  a  bad 
cold  ;  and  shall  also  be  kept  from  the  inquiry  meeting  this 
evening,  which  is  to  me  a  place  of  deep  interest.     But  it 

is   all  well I  want  that  spiritual  appetite,  which 

shall  make  me  every  day  hunger  and  thirst  after  truth  and 
holiness.     I  think  I  can  say  of  my  soul, 

"  She  was  all  made  of  heavenly  fires, 
Nor  can  she  live  on  meaner  food. 

"  Aug.  1.  A  Bible  Class  was  this  day  formed  of  the 
young  people  of  the  parish  under  very  auspicious  circum- 
stances.    More  than  one   hundred  have  joined  it.     May 


MEMOIR.  113 

God  own  the  enterprise,  and  make  it  subservient  to  his 
glory,  and  the  eternal  well-being  of  the  dear  young  friends 
connected  with  it. 

"  April,  1823.  [A  Letter.]  You  mention  hearing  of 
the  progress  of  Christ's  kingdom  among  us.  It  has  been 
indeed  delightful,  that  the  Lord  has  continued  his  gra- 
cious presence  with  us  amidst  our  ingratitude  and  un- 
worthiness;  but  he  is  not  accustomed  to  deal  with  his 
people  according  to  their  demerits.  How  wonderful  his 
mercy  !  Ever  since  the  attention  commenced  here,  it  has 
been  making  a  silent  and  very  gradual  progress,  quicken- 
ing the  people  of  God,  and  convincing  the  wanderer  and 
leading  him  back  to  Christ ;  so  that,  though  our  numbers 
are  not  so  great  as  in  many  places,  nor  so  great  as  we 
would  desire,  yet  we  think  the  state  of  religion  is  greatly 
improved  among  us  ;  and  we  hope  that  the  truth  is  gain- 
ing a  secret  access  to  many  minds  which  have  long  resist- 
ed its  saving  influence,  and  are  not  yet  willing  to  confess 
themselves  brought  under  its  power.  This  state  of  things 
calls  loudly  for  Christian  diligence,  and  much  importu- 
nate prayer. 

"  You  mention  the  conversion  of  one  in  your  house. 
Surely,  the  Lord  puts  honor  on  that  house  where  he 
deigns  to  exert  his  saving  influence.  Shall  I  tell  you  that 
we  hope  he  has  visited  us  in  similar  mercy  ?  We  hope, 
and  think  we  have  considerable  reason  for  hope,  that  a 
lad  living  with  us,  (who,  I  believe,  was  with  us  when  you 
were  here,)  has  been  made  the  subject  of  renewing  grace. 
He  is  not  yet  twelve  years  old,  but  gives  such  kind  of  evi- 
dence as  we  should  suppose  one  of  this  age  would  give. 

"  Jan.  8,  1824.  This  day  forcibly  recalls  the  same 
date,  six  years  ago.  And  I  have  been  endeavoring  to 
spend  the  season  in  humble  grateful  recollection,  in  de- 
vout thankfulness,  and  in  special  prayer.     I  well  remem- 


114  MEMOIR. 

ber  the  feelings  which  dictated  the  setting  apart  of  that 
day,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  was  passed.  I  think  I 
was  enabled  to  leave  myself,  and  my  brother  and  sisters, 
wholly  with  the  Lord ;  for  it  was  with  a  view  to  this  that 
I  set  apart  the  day.  Our  temporal  affairs  pressed  upon 
me  ;  we  were  orphans,  and  scattered  ;  and  our  brother 
rising  into  manhood,  with  no  paternal  hand  to  guide  him, 
or  paternal  lips  to  counsel  him.  I  trust  I  was  heard  in 
my  supplication.  From  that  time  to  the  present,  I  have 
been  able,  in  a  great  measure,  to  stay  myself  on  God  in 
regard  to  our  interests  both  temporal  and  spiritual ;  and 
in  looking  through  the  period  of  six  years,  I  am  filled 
with  wonder  and  gladness  at  all  the  mercy  and  all  the 
care  of  a  covenant-keeping  God.  I  set  apart  this  day  to 
recall  this  past  goodness,  and  render  praise,  and  also  to 
renew  my  petitions  for  further  exhibitions  of  his  loving- 
kindness,  and  especially  in  spiritual  things. 

"Feb.  1.  I  have  another  call  for  special  gratitude  to- 
day, as  another  anniversary  returns  on  which  the  good- 
ness of  the  Lord  ought  to  be  particularly  remembered. 
This  day  commemorates  the  season  in  which  we  left  our 
mother's  house,  a  few  weeks  after  she  had  taken  her  de- 
parture into  the  world  of  spirits.  I  cannot  forget  the 
evening  previous  to  that  day,  We  were  a  lonely  band, 
seated,  in  the  evening  twilight,  around  the  fire-side, 
whence  we  were  shortly  to  take  our  departure,  and  to 
separate.  '  The  world  was  all  before  us,  where  to  choose 
our  place  of  rest,  and  Providence  our  guide.'  Our  reflec- 
tions were  sober ;  we  felt  that  we  were  about  embarking 
on  an  ocean  of  uncertainty  and  trial,  with  disappoint- 
ments to  meet,  and  with  little  in  prospect  which  could 
cheer  us.  Being  myself  younger  than  my  sisters,  having 
just  completed  my  fifteenth  year,  bright  visions  of  hope 
would  occasionally  cross  my  mind,  but  were   almost  as 


MEMOIR.  J 15 

soon  dissipated  by  the  thoughtful  seriousness  of  those 
who  I  knew  must  have  more  correct  opinions  of  the  world 
we  were  to  meet,  than  I  could  have,  who  had  always  been 
so  much  secluded  from  its  frowns  and  its  smiles.  But 
since  that  evening,  and  the  succeeding  day,  fifteen  years 
have  passed  rapidly  away.  We  have,  indeed,  encounter- 
ed many  a  storm;  and  we  have  enjoyed,  too,  many  a  sun- 
shine, '  blissful,  bright,  never  to  be  forgotten.'  We  have 
lived  day  after  day,  month  after  month,  and  year  after 
year,  upon  the  bounties  of  an  unfailing  Providence.  We 
have  wanted  no  necessary  thing,  and  we  have  learned  to 
repress  desires  after  such  things  as  were  unattainable ; 
and,  after  many  tokens  of  special  care  and  of  wonder- 
working goodness,  we  continue,  as  at  this  day,  with  bless- 
ings all  around  us.  How  shall  we  adequately  praise  Him 
who  hath  brought  us  thus  far  ?  What  shall  we  render  to 
our  God  ? 

H  May  16.  (Sabbath.)  We  are  this  morning  to  come 
to  the  table  of  our  crucified  Saviour,  and  have  the  pleas- 
ing prospect  of  seeing  eight  persons  added  to  our  com- 
munion. Praised  be  the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  that  he  still 
condescends  to  bless  our  humble  endeavors  in  his  service. 
May  these  persons  add  to  the  strength,  as  well  as  to  the 
numbers  of  the  church. 

"  Aug.  22.  (Sabbath.)  How  pleasant  it  is  to  enjoy 
the  refined  and  pious  conversation  of  Christian  minis- 
ters, and  how  highly  am  I  favored  with  this  privilege. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  a  station  in  the  church,  which 
brings  me  to  an  acquaintance  with  so  many  manifesting 
the  spirit  of  Christ  and  rich  in  intellectual  stores.  My 
heart  is  often  ready  to  exclaim,  '  Why  was  I  made  a 
Christian,  and  then,  as  if  this  was  not  enough,  placed  here 
amidst  all  this  rich  variety  of  means  for  growth  in  grace 
and  usefulness  in  the  vineyard  1 '     O  that  this  heart  might 


116  MEMOIR. 

be  melted  into  gratitude,  love,  and  the  spirit  of  obedience. 
*  *  I  cannot  feel  it  a  burden  that  we  are  so  frequently 
called  to  entertain  Christian  friends.  I  fear  that  some 
lose  much  by  an  unwillingness  to  execute  the  offices  of 
hospitality. 

"  Aug.  23,  [to  her  husband  absent.]  I  believe  all  the 
sick,  concerning  whom  you  make  inquiry,  are  on  the  re- 
covery. I  visited  them  all  on  Thursday,  and  intend  to 
see  them  again  in  a  day  or  two. 

"Oct.  31.  We  have,  through  the  kindness  of  our  God, 
come  to  dwell  in  a  new  habitation,  which  he  has  given  us 
the  hope  of  ultimately  calling  our  own.  After  much 
fatigue,  we  are  quietly  settled.  We  removed  on  Tues- 
day the  23d  inst.,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  24th, 
our  dear  friends  assembled  with  us,  and  we  solemnly  dedi- 
cated the  house  to  our  God  and  Saviour,  imploring  his 
continual  presence  and  blessing  in  every  apartment,  in 
every  closet,  and  praying  that  on  every  part  might  be  in- 
scribed '  Holiness  to  the  Lord.7  The  season  was  sweet, 
and  of  deep  interest.  When  our  friends  had  retired,  we 
renewed  the  dedication  of  ourselves  to  our  Saviour,  for 
his  service  and  glory. 

"  Jan.  27,  1825.  My  birth-day.  In  reflecting  on  the 
past,  I  am  surprised  that  I  have  done  so  little  for  God. 
May  he  pardon  me,  and  grant  that  the  year  which  begins 
anew  to  me  this  day  may,  with  its  blessings,  find  me  more 
humble,  more  faithful,  more  devoted  to  God  and  his 
church. 

"  May  4.  (Evening.)  *  *  Latter  part  of  the  even- 
ing rendered  delightful  and  solemn  by  a  prayer-meeting 
of  the  younger  members  of  the  church. 

"May  22.  All  nature  is  full  of  God.  The  spring 
that  smiles  around  us— how  delightful !  it  is  the  fruit  of 
infinite  love. 


MEMOIR.  117 

"  Jan.  8,  1826.  Again  the  anniversary  of  a  day  which  I 
think  I  shall  never  cease  to  remember.  My  anniversaries 
of  interesting  occasions  are  frequent  and  precious,  and 
often  instrumental  of  quickening  me  in  duty  and  the 
divine  life.  The  answers  which  I  think  I  have  had  to 
prayer,  presented  on  such  occasions,  are  my  encourage- 
ment to  persevere  in  asking  what  I  need.  Certainly  I 
have  been  heard  in  the  voice  of  my  supplication.  The 
Lord  hath  answered  me,  not  for  myself  alone,  but  for  my 
family,  and  we  are  now  receiving  the  benefit. 

"  May  28.  [After  the  death  of  her  infant  child.] 
When  I  last  penned  a  few  words  on  these  pages,  it  was 
done  with  a  trembling  spirit,  supported  only  by  clinging 
to  an  arm  divine.  That  arm  divine  sustained  me  through 
the  perils  that  arrayed  themselves  before  me.  But  the 
gift  bestowed,  has  been  removed.     '  Righteous  art  thou, 

0  Lord : ' 

'  Too  wise  to  err,  too  good  to  be  unkind.' 

1  hope  I  am  satisfied  with  the  arrangement ;  though 
I  mourn,  and  am  sometimes  in  bitterness  because  of  it. 
But  I  have  nothing  to  say.  He  hath  done  all  things  well. 
Could  he  have  done  better?  If  he  could,  he  hath  not  re- 
vealed it  to  me.  Could  I  have  -been  taught  the  salutary 
lessons  which  this  dispensation  has  taught  me,  in  any 
other  way  ?  If  so,  I  know  it  not.  Indeed,  I  trace  pecu- 
liar adaptedness  in  the  means,  to  the  end  accomplished. 
I  shall  feel,  I  trust,  a  deeper  interest  both  in  parents  and 
children,  and  be  more  sympathizing  in  the  sorrows  of 
others,  for  the  manner  in  which  God  has  now  dealt  with 
me. 

"  We  hoped  that  this  dear  gift  was  to  be  a  comfort  to 
us  here,  a  blessing  to  Christ's  church  on  earth,  an  instru- 
11 


118  MEMOIR. 

ment  of  promoting  God's  glory  when  our  poor  labors 
should  cease.  For  this  it  was  in  our  hearts  carefully  to 
cherish  and  train  it.  But  the  unerring  wisdom  of  God, 
while  it  permitted  all  these  fond  hopes  and  right  intentions 
to  be  in  our  hearts,  animating  us  to  all  the  conflicts  neces- 
sary to  be  previously  sustained,  looked  farther  than  our 
narrow  vision  extended,  and  saw  another  plan,  inscru- 
table to  us,  but  to  his  all-seeing  eye  so  much  better,  so 
much  more  for  his  glory,  for  the  good  of  the  universe,  for 
our  happiness,  and  for  that  of  the  dear  little  being  over 
whom  our  hearts  still  yearn,  that  he  gave  the  wound 
while  he  pitied  the  sorrows  which  it  produced. 

"  March  26,  1827.     Mr.  has  been  in  and  given 

me  just  the  opportunity  I  have  long  desired  for  religious 
conversation  with  him.  I  rejoice  to  find  him  serious  and 
somewhat  anxious.  His  case  is  an  evidence  that  the 
Lord  is  working  in  this  place,  though  it  be  in  a  silent 
way.  .  .  Let  me  make  this  one  a  particular  subject  of 
prayer,  that  he  may  be  brought  into  the  kingdom,  and 
be  eminently  useful  in  the  service  of  Christ." 

For  about  five  weeks  from  this  time  Mrs.  Dimmick's 
journal  contains  a  very  brief  notice  of  her  occupation 
each  day.  Expressions  like  the  following  frequently  oc- 
cur. "  Had  a  pleasant  visit  from  neighbors.  It  ought  to 
have  been  more  spiritual  and  profitable."  "  Visited  Mrs. 
F.,  recently  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  We 
united  in  prayer,  rendering  praise  to  her  great  Deliverer." 
"  Had  serious  conversation  with  Mrs.  B."  "  Promised  to 
meet  N.  H.,  for  a  particular  object,  at  the  throne  of 
grace,  at  6  o'clock."  "  Had  conversation  with  Mrs.  W. 
on  the  subject  of  her  making  a  public  profession  of  relig- 
ion. Made  other  calls  for  similar  purposes."  "  Made 
visits  among  poor  neighbors."     "  Called  on   some   aged 


MEMOIR.  119 

sick,  who  appear  anxious  about  their  spiritual  concerns. 
They  entreated  my  prayers.  Lord,  help  me  to  pray  for 
them,  and  wilt  thou  hear  ! " 

These  expressions  show  the  bent  of  her  thoughts,  the 
subjects  in  which  she  felt  the  deepest  interest,  the  kind  of 
life  she  lived,  redeeming  time  from  secular  avocations  for 
the  higher  purposes  of  doing  spiritual  good.  This  is 
nearly  the  end  of  her  regular  journal.  A  very  few  pas- 
sages only  will  be  added. 

"  July  9.  We  had  a  delightful  day  on  the  fourth. 
There  was  no  political  celebration  ;  but  the  religious  ser- 
vices in  the  morning  were  highly  interesting.  Several 
clergymen  took  part  in  them  ;  and  fifty  dollars  were  col- 
lected for  the  Colonization  Society. 

"  July  16.  I  know  of  nothing  half  so  delightful  as  to 
be  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  through  his 
grace  to  meet  with  success  in  our  labors. 

"  June  29,  1828.  (Sabbath.)  Eight  years  ago  this  day 
I  came  to  reside  in  this  place,  as  the  companion  of  a 
minister  of  the  gospel.  I  am  grieved  that  I  have  done  no 
more  for  Christ  during  these  eight  years.  How  poorly 
have  I  improved  the  talents  put  into  my  hands.  '  If  thou, 
Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord,  who  shall 
stand  V  I  am  shut  up  to  the  petition,  '  Enter  not  into 
judgment  with  thy  servant.'  I  have  but  one  source  of 
consolation,  or  of  hope.  '  There  is  forgiveness  with 
thee.' 

"  I  accompanied  my  husband  to  Falmouth  the  past 
week,  at  the  sitting  of  the  General  Association  of  the 
State.  The  occasion  was  one  of  lively  interest.  There 
seemed  to  be  great  union  among  the  ministers  of  Christ 
present. — A  number  of  the  wives  of  the  clergymen  were 
there  ;  and  on  Thursday  morning  they  had  a  prayer-meet. 


120  MEMOIR. 

ing  together  with  the  female  part  of  the  church.  I 
believe  it  was  something  rather  new,  but  I  am  sure  it  was 
also  something  which  was  useful  and  delightful.  Nothing 
endears  us  so  much  to  each  other  as  meeting  together  in 
the  character  of  Christ's  disciples,  speaking  together  of 
the  interests  of  his  kingdom,  and  uniting  together  in  the 
holy  breathings  of  devout  prayer. 

"I  have  been  led  to  inquire  too,  and  particularly  in 
view  of  my  own  deficiencies,  whether  something  could 
not  be  done,  and  ought  not  to  be  done,  for  the  particu- 
lar benefit  of  the  wives  of  clergymen,  anti  those  who  are 
expecting  to  become  such.  Something,  it  appears  to  me, 
might  be  done  to  good  purpose.  And  surely  those  who 
occupy  such  stations,  or  are  to  occupy  them,  need  all  the 
aid  with  which  they  can  be  furnished. 

"  Jan.  2,  1829.  A  new  year.  Yesterday  morning 
when  I  awoke,  I  resolved  to  be  more  devoted  to  God  this 
year  than  ever.  Will  God  help  me  to  keep  this  resolve  : 
to  be 

•  Watchful  every  hour, 


And  pray,  but  never  faint.' 

"  May  I  be  instrumental  this  year  in  the  salvation  of 
some  souls,  at  the  same  time  that  I  take  care  of  my  own. 
There  is  something  very  sweet  to  me  in  '  alluring  to 
brighter  worlds/ — in  saying  to  the  wanderers  '  return  and 
be  blessed,'  in  pointing  the  restless  unsatisfied  mind  to  the 
pure  fountains  of  truth  and  happiness,  in  one  word,  in 
saying  to  the  sinner,  '  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  who 
taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world ! ' 

"  I  find  that  with  revolving  years  my  mind,  my  heart, 
my  soul,  rests  with  more  and  more  confidence  and  joy  on 
the  way  of  salvation  revealed  in  the  gospel.  Jesus  Christ, 
1  the  way,  and  the  truth,  and  the  life,'  appears  to  me  the 


MEMOIR.  121 

only  safe  ground  of  trust.  That  so  many  rob  him  of  his 
glory,  weaken  the  influence  of  his  gospel,  and  thus  cheat 
themselves  out  of  happiness  and  heaven,  does  most  deeply 
affect  me.  What  kind  of  a  heaven  are  they  looking  for, 
who  reject  the  essential  truths  and  provisions  of  the 
gospel  1  If  there  is  a  class  of  my  fellow  sinners  who  ap- 
pear to  me  to  be  in  peculiar  danger,  it  is  those  who  have 
embraced,  in  systematic  form,  that  for  truth,  which  the 
Bible  condemns  as  error,  and  which  chills  the  soul,  and 
diverts  it  from  spiritual  objects.  In  view  of  such  cases, 
I  would  bind  the  gospel  more  closely  to  my  heart,  while  I 
pray  that  God  will  send  deliverance  to  those  who  are  en- 
snared and  taken,  before  it  shall  be  forever  too  late  I " 


11 


CHAPTER   VII. 

Her  Love  to  her  Kindred  —  Reference  to  her  Letters  to  her  Brother — Her 
Sister's  sickness  and  death. 

Among  the  beautiful  things  of  earth  are  the  social  af- 
fections. Amidst  the  trials  and  dark  scenes  often  witness- 
ed, what  beholder  is  not  struck  with  the  family  group,  in 
which  are  beheld 

1  Relations  dear,  and  all  the  charities 
Of  father,  son,  and  brother  ? ' 

It  is  as  an  oasis  in  a  desert.  This  excellence  shone  in 
Mrs.  Dimmick.  Love  to  her  family  and  kindred  was  one 
of  the  striking  traits  in  her  character.  This  is  manifest 
from  the  remarks  already  brought  to  view  :  particularly 
from  the  notice  of  her  mother ;  her  graphic  account 
of  the  breaking  up  and  dispersion  of  the  household  ;  her 
frequent  and  earnest  prayers  for  the  surviving  members  ; 
as  well  as  from  numerous  other  expressions.  "  How  much 
I  love  you,"  said  she  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  "  for  taking 
such  an  interest  in  my  sisters  and  brother.  We  are  a 
feeble  few,  and  cling  closely  to  each  other."  To  another 
friend,  at  a  later  date,  she  says,  "  How  peculiar  and  how 
strong  is  the  sisterly  tie."  And  to  another,  "  O  the"  ten- 
derness of  those  ties  which  bind  us  to  parents,  brothers  and 


MEMOIR.  123 

sisters  !  "  And  so  through  all  her  communications.  "  I 
want  earnestness  in  prayer  for  my  dear  brother  and  sis- 
ters." "  May  the  prayers  long  since  breathed  to  heaven 
by  parental  lips,  be  answered  on  the  heads  of  us  who  sur- 
vive, and  we  be  prepared  to  meet  and  dwell  with  those 
members  now  safe  in  heaven." 

Her  regard  for  her  kindred,  as  may  be  seen  from  these 
expressions,  and  many  others  already  brought  to  view, 
and  as  might  also  be  presumed  from  her  general  charac- 
ter, was  not  a  mere  concern  for  their  temporal  welfare. 
Though  this  was  not  disregarded  by  her,  or  undervalued, 
and  was  often  the  subject  of  her  thoughts  and  desires  and 
endeavors,  yet  she  looked  deeper  and  farther  than  this. 
She  remembered  the  soul  and  the  interests  of  eternity, 
and  felt  that  there  was  no  ground  for  rest  while  these  were 
not  safe.  And  it  is  believed  that  in  her  duty  to  all  the 
members  of  her  family,  she  was  uncommonly  faithful.     * 

A  series  of  letters  to  her  brother — an  only  brother,  and 
younger  than  herself — might  be  adduced  as  confirmation 
of  this  remark.  Perhaps  an  instance  is  not  to  be  found, 
in  which  sisterly  affection  and  Christian  fidelity  are  more 
strikingly  exhibited,  than  in  this  correspondence ;  in 
which  the  spiritual  welfare  of  a  friend  has  been  sought 
and  pursued  more  wisely,  tenderly,  and  with  greater  per- 
severance. A  regard  to  the  living,  alone  prevents  copious 
extracts  from  this  correspondence. 

A  similar  developement  of  feeling  was  made  in  respect 
to  her  sisters,  though  perhaps  less  striking.  The  elder 
of  the  two  sisters,  as  has  been  mentioned,  came  to 
reside  with  her  soon  after  her  marriage, — in  September, 
1829.  She  was  entertaining  a  hope  in  Christ  when 
she  came ;  and,  in  November  following,  united  with  the 
church.     With  her  she  took  sweet  counsel,  and  they  sym- 


124  MEMOIR. 

pathized  together  in  desires  for  the  spiritual  benefit  of  the 
other  members  of  the  family. 

In  the  summer  of  1822,  her  other  sister,  Susan,  made 
her  a  visit.  There  was  more  than  usual  seriousness 
in  the  place  at  the  time.  In  prospect  of  this  visit,  the 
first  thought  and  leading  desire  of  Mrs.  Dimmick's  heart 
was  breathed  out  in  the  following  petition :  "  June  19. 
Lord,  I  prefer  the  petition  that  my  dear  sister's  coming 
here  at  this  time  may  be  for  thy  glory  in  her  conversion 
to  thee.  Help  me  to  wait  upon  thee,  that  thou,  in  infinite 
condescension,  wilt  bring  her  into  thy  kingdom."  Sept.  9, 
1822,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  she  says,  "  I  have  been  much 
favored  in  having  my  sister  Susan  make  me  a  visit  of 
three  months.  Her  attention  has  been  somewhat  awaken- 
ed to  the  subject  of  religion  during  her  visit.  O  that  it 
might  be  the  favored  period  of  securing  her  best  interests 
for  eternity  !  "  A  little  later,  in  her  journal,  is  the  follow- 
ing passage :  "  Sept.  26.  I  greatly  fear  this  excursion 
[to  a  neighboring,  town]  has  lessened,  if  not  obliterated, 
my  sister's  serious  feelings.  How  can  I  bear  to  have  this 
precious  season  pass  away,  and  her  soul  not  gathered  into 
the  ark  of  safety."  "  Sept.  29.  Again  I  cast  on  thee 
those  in  this  house  who  are  yet  out  of  the  ark  of  safe- 
ty. Especially  do  I  bring  to  thee  my  dear  sister.  O 
speak  the  cheering  word  of  forgiveness  and  peace  to  her 
soul."  "Oct.  5.  O  thou,  who  canst  do  all  things,  again 
do  I  look  up  to  thee  for  the  conversion  of  my  dear  sister. 
When  wilt  thou  lead  her  to  Christ,  and  show  her  sins 
forgiven?"  "  Oct.  13.  (Sabbath  evening.)  Conversed 
with  my  sister  on  the  state  of  her  mind.  She  appears  to 
have  undergone  some  change  in  her  views.  She  hardly 
dares  hope  it  to  be  saving ;  but  I  am  inclined  to  believe 
that  it  will,  in  the  end,  prove  to  be  so.  She  certainly 
gives  some  evidence,  in  her  desire  to  do  something  for 


MEMOIR.  125 

Christ  henceforth,  and  in  her  apparent  unfeigned  sorrow 
for  sin.  I  have  been  enabled,  more  particularly,  to  com- 
mend her  to  the  Saviour,  and  to  supplicate  that  he  will 
manifest  himself  in  his  peculiar  mercy  to  her,  and  give 
her  a  full  evidence  that  she  is  '  born  again.'  " 

About  a  year  and  a  half  from  this  time,  or  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1824,  this  sister  came  to  reside  permanently  with 
her.  She  came  with  an  incipient  disease,  which  proved 
to  be  a  severe  and  incorrigible  dropsy;  and  which,  after 
much  suffering  for  nearly  three  years,  terminated  in  her 
death.  Mrs.  Dimmick  did  not  feel  it  a  burden  to  have 
this  sister  with  her  in  her  sickness ;  on  the  contrary,  her 
sympathies  were  alive  to  her  sufferings,  and  whatever 
could  afford  her  relief,  or  promote  her  comfort,  was  most 
cheerfully  done.  Soon  after  her  arrival,  she  says,  "  How 
thankful  ought  I  to  be,  that  in  this  trying  time,  I  am 
enabled  to  have  her  with  me,  and  can  provide  for  many  of 
her  wants." 

The  religious  impressions  made  on  this  sister's  mind  at 
the  former  visit  had  not  been  effaced,  but  terminated  in  a 
hope  of  reconciliation  to  God.  The  same  care  and  assi- 
duity were  continued  in  regard  to  her  spiritual  interests. 
In  December,  1825,  with  much  trembling,  as  well  as  bodi- 
ly weakness,  she  was  received  to  the  communion  of  the 
church.  Her  death,  which  occurred  a  little  more  than  a 
year  afterwards,  was  triumphant. 

It  may  be  proper  to  insert  here,  some  account  of  this 
death,  from  Mrs.  Dimmick's  own  pen. 

"  After  a  lingering  disease  of  three  full  years,  our  belov- 
ed sister  has  left  this  world,  and  entered  another  state  of 
existence.  In  few  instances  do  we  witness  a  more  unbla- 
mable life,  or  a  more  peaceful  death.  '  The  memory  of  the 
just  is  blessed.'     From  the  commencement  of  that  fatal  dis- 


126  MEMOIR. 

ease  which  terminated  her  life,  to  the  closing  hour,  she  in- 
variably submitted  without  a  murmur  to  the  dispensation, 
as  from  the  hand  of  Him,  who  is  infinitely  wise  and 
infinitely  good.  She  more  than  submitted ;  she  was 
even  cheerful,  feeling  as  she  often  expressed  herself,  that 
she  had  from  infancy  been  blessed  with  an  unusual  share 
of  health,  and  that  this  consideration,  in  addition  to 
others,  should  prevent  her  complaining  under  the  present 
affliction.  This  steady  composure,  amid  a  constantly 
darkening  prospect,  arising  from  the  unvarying  progress 
of  disease,  without  hope  of  permanent  relief,  is  what  per- 
haps very  few  attain,  at  least  in  the  degree  in  which  it  was 
manifest  in  her. 

"  About  a  week  previous  to  her  departure  she  was  sensi- 
ble of  a  change  in  her  case.  Her  judgment,  always  un- 
usually discriminating,  decided  on  the  hopelessness  of  her 
continuance  much  longer  in  the  world  ;  and,  not  wishing 
to  practice  the  least  deception  with  herself,  she  looked  at 
once  to  the  end.  Her  faith  sustained  her.  She  verified 
the  words  of  her  favorite  hymn,  which  she  had  often  been 
heard  singing  to  herself  at  the  close  of  the  day  when  all 
nature  was  still  and  favored  meditation  on  the  future : 

•  My  lifted  eye,  without  a  tear, 
The  gathering  storm  shall  see ; 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  know  no  fear, 
That  heart  will  rest  on  Thee.' 

"  From  this  time,  the  hope  of  life,  or  even  desire  of  it, 
was  manifestly  exchanged  for  the  hope  of  heaven  ;  and 
unseen  realities  seemed  every  moment  crowding  in  bright- 
er succession  on  the  vision  of  faith.  '  O,'  said  she, 
*  what  comfort  have  I  taken  in  particular  passages  of 
Scripture,  and  what  delight  in  hymns  and  psalms.  Yet  I 
think  I  have  been  too  fearful  of  applying  the  promises  of 


MEMOIR.  127 

God's  word  to  myself.  It  appears  to  me  now,  that  I  might 
have  done  it  more.'  Her  mind  was  clear  and  equable 
throughout  these  trying  hours,  and  seemed  to  gather  fresh 
vigor  as  she  approached  the  confines  of  her  earthly  be- 
ing, and  the  higher  realities  of  another  existence. 
1  Well,'  said  she,  'do  bless  God  for  me;  for  I  cannot 
praise  him  enough.'  She  often  wished  us  to  sing  amidst 
her  sufferings.  The  hymns  beginning  as  follows  were 
favorites  :  '  Come,  we  that  love  the  Lord  ; '  '  Come,  let 
us  join  our  cheerful  songs  ; '  'I  love  my  Shepherd's 
voice  ; '  '  Awake,  sweet  harp  of  Judah,  wake  ! '  with 
several  others.  She  desired  the  Bible  to  be  read  to  her, 
and  particularly  the  promise  in  Isaiah,  xliii.  2,  ■  When 
thou  passest  through  the  waters,  I  will  be  with  thee,  and 
through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee  :  when 
thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not  be  burned  ; 
neither  shall  the  flame  kindle  upon  thee ; '  and  also  the 
twenty-third  Psalm,  '  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,'  &c, 
which  she  prefaced  with  a  short  but  fervent  prayer. 
1  Now,'  said  she,  '  I  am  ready  to  have  the  seventeenth 
Psalm  sung ;  when  you  proposed  it  the  other  evening,  I 
Was  not  quite  ready ;  begin  at  the  third  verse,  '  What 
sinners  value  I  resign,'  &c.  She  sung  with  us  with  so 
much  strength,  that  we  concluded  that  she  could  not  be  so 
near  her  end  as  she  thought  herself  to  be.  She  appeared 
lost  in  a  holy  elevation  of  soul,  and  after  she  ceased  to  sing, 
continued  her  hands  in  motion,  keeping  time  with  the 
music  which  the  others  carried  through  to  the  end  of  the 
psalm.  There  was  in  her  manner  an  air  of  triumph, 
as  of  one  who  had  already  gained  the  victory.  A  little 
before  public  worship,  (Sabbath  morning,)  she  desired 
that  a  note  might  be  prepared,  requesting  the  prayers  of 
the  church,  that  she  might  be  enabled  to  bear  her  suffer- 
ings, and  have  the  presence  of  Christ  through  the  valley 


128  MEMOIR. 

of  the  shadow  of  death.  This  she  dictated  herself. 
When  Mr.  Dimmick  came  to  her  to  say  that  he  was  go- 
ing to  church,  but  hoped  to  see  her  again  at  noon,  she  re- 
plied, '  Perhaps  you  may,  but  I  cannot  say  that  I  ardent- 
ly hope  it.'  To  the  remark,  '  If  you  should  depart,  you 
hope  to  be  in  a  better  world,'  she  answered,  '  If  I  am 
assured  of  any  thing,  it  is  of  that.  After  what  God  has 
showed  me,  can  I  doubt  1  O  no,  I  cannot.'  After  this 
she  related  to  me  minutely,  from  the  beginning,  her  Chris- 
tian experience,  which  was  very  satisfactory. — Through 
Sabbath  night,  her  spirit  was  unusually  sweet,  and  her 
countenance  brightened  with  increasing  lustre,  as  she 
drew  nearer  the  '  promised  possession.'  Her  remarks 
were  full  of  affection  and  piety,  and  those  who  were  with 
her,  could  say,  truly,  '  It  is  good  to  be  here.'  At  one 
time,  being  raised  in  bed  to  rest  a  moment,  after  having 
slept  several  minutes  longer  than  usual,  she  looked  around 
the  room  and  said,  '  I  am  in  this  world  yet,  am  I  not  ? ' 
I  said  to  her,  '  Did  you  think,  sister,  that  you  had  gone  to 
heaven  ?  '  She  replied,  *  I  seemed  to  think  for  a  moment 
that  I  had  got  there :  but  then  I  thought  I  had  not  seen  the 
ravishing  glories.  I  suppose,  having  slept  so  little  of  late, 
and  now  so  soundly,  I  have  been  dreaming.'  She  then, 
with  a  sweet  expression,  extended  her  arms,  and  exclaim- 
ed, 'Am  I  going  to  Heaven  ? '  The  thought  was  rapturous. 
— On  Monday  morning  she  wished  to  have  the  shutters 
opened  and  the  lights  extinguished  early,  that  she  might 
see  once  more  the  pleasant  light  of  an  earthly  day  ;  and, 
on  the  gratification  of  her  wishes,  the  placid  expression  of 
her  countenance,  as  she  looked  forth  on  the  morning,  in- 
dicated the  settled  peace  of  her  soul.  No  sigh  agitated 
her  bosom,  because  the  world  was  receding.  No  dark 
boding  cloud  intercepted  the  visions  of  her  faith.  She 
seemed  in  the  condition  of  a  traveller,  who  had   passed 


MEMOIR.  129 

through  a  long  course  of  tempest  and  storm,  intermingled 
indeed  with  zephyr  and  sunshine,  and  having  nearly 
completed  his  pilgrimage,  was  taking  a  last  quiet  survey 
of  the  scenery  which  lay  around  him,  in  the  final  stage  of 
a  journey  which  was  to  terminate  in  introducing  him  to 
all  the  honors  of  a  kingdom.  To  her  physician  she  said, 
'  Doctor,  there  is  a  divine  reality  in  it,  (alluding  to  Chris- 
tianity.) O,  for  such  a  poor,  weak,  blind  creature,  to 
feel  what  I  have  felt  for  two  or  three  days  past,  proves 
that  there  is  a  glorious  reality  in  it.  She  took  leave  of 
those  around  her,  with  a  word  appropriate  to  each  ;  and 
from  this  time  till  she  crossed  the  waters  of  Jordan,  said 
but  a  little.  She  requested  to  have  every  thing  through- 
out the  house  as  still  as  possible.  She  frequently  said, 
1  peace,  peace,  let  all  be  peace.'  In  this  pleasant,  pa- 
tient, elevated  spirit,  she  continued  until  half  past  4 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  a  visible  change  took 
place.  She  signified  to  us  that  the  hour  of  release  had 
come,  and  gently  breathed  her  last  at  5  o'clock,  Monday, 
Feb.  26,  1827. 

"  Dear  departed  saint !  So  unblamable  in  life,  so  pa- 
tient and  cheerful  under  the  long  continued  and  heavy 
burden  of  disease,  so  triumphant  in  death  !  We  rejoice 
for  thee,  that  thou  hast  forever  escaped  from  the  ills  of 
this  mortal  state,  its  fleeting  pleasures,  and  its  many 
pains.  All  that  was  enduring  thou  hast  carried  with 
thee ;  all  that  was  high,  all  that  was  holy.  Thou  hast  left 
nothing  behind,  but  what  would  have  been  a  burden. 
Thou  hast  left  sin— that  would  have  shut  thee  from 
heaven.  Thou  hast  left  suffering  —  that  would  have 
interrupted  thy  songs  of  praise,  marred  thy  bliss,  and' 
hindered  thy  activity  in  the  heavenly  service.  Thou 
hast  left  thy  friends — but  they  will  join  thee  when 
they  are  prepared  for  the  same  glory.  Thou  hast  left  a  re- 
12 


130  MEMOIR. 

mote  province  of  thy  Saviour's  kingdom,  where,  alas !  there 
is  much  imperfection  and  sin  even  in  his  most  loyal  sub- 
jects ;  and  where  there  are  ten  thousand  rebels,  who  cannot 
be  persuaded  to  submit  and  own  him  as  their  rightful  sov- 
ereign. But  thou  art  now  exalted  to  a  residence  in  the 
royal  city — the  New  Jerusalem — where  neither  disloyalty 
nor  imperfection  exists.  In  one  word,  thou  art  in  heaven 
and  near  thy  God.  We  mourn  not  for  thee.  We  re- 
joice and  give  thanks  to  Him,  who  has  resumed  his  own, 
and,  we  doubt  not,  confirmed  thee  as  his  forever. 

"  But  we  may  be  permitted  to  mourn  our  loss.  Pleas- 
ant hast  thou  been  to  us  in  life  :  we  will  not  forget  thee; 
we  will  not  cease  to  remember  thee,  as  one  of  the 
choicest  gifts  of  our  heavenly  Father.  We  will  remem- 
ber thy  counsels ;  we  will  remember  thy  example ;  we 
will  remember  thy  life ;  we  will  remember  thy  death ; 
and  oh,  may  we  remember,  and  perfectly  love,  and  de- 
voutly serve  that  Saviour,  who  formed  thee,  redeemed 
thee,  renewed  thee,  and  saved  thee  with  an  everlasting 
salvation ;  so  that,  when  time  with  us  shall  be  no  lon- 
ger, we  may  meet  thee  in  his  kingdom,  and  enter  into 
his  eternal  joy,  with  thee  and  all  the  myriads  of  the  holy, 
to  praise  his  name  and  his  grace  forever." 


UHUVERS'IT.  ' 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

A  Journey  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1829  —  Extracts  from  Letters  to  her 
Husband  during  his  absence  in  1830. 

In  the  spring  and  early  part  of  the  summer  of  1829, 
Mrs.  Dimmick  accompanied  her  husband  on  a  journey  to 
her  native  place,  Norwich,  Connecticut ;  to  New- York  ; 
thence  through  New- Jersey  to  Wilkesbarre,  Pennsylvania; 
to  which  last  place  her  eldest  sister  had  removed,  on  her 
marriage,  many  years  before,  and  where  she  soon  after 
died ;  thence  through  western  New-York  to  Erie,  Penn- 
sylvania 5  and  thence  home  by  Niagara  Falls  and  Sara- 
toga Springs,  through  Vermont  and  New-Hampshire, 
occupying  in  all,  about  two  months. 

Her  letters  to  her  sister,  during  that  journey,  contain 
a  few  passages  which  may  be  here  inserted. 

"Norwich,  Conn.,  May  25,  1829.  Owing  to  my  nu- 
merous engagements  since  I  have  been  with  our  Norwich 
friends,  I  have  not  had  what  I  can  well  call  a  leisure  mo- 
ment for  writing.  I  need  not  assure  you  how  kindly  and 
politely  we  have  been  treated  by  all  our  friends  here. 
Norwich  has  greatly  improved  in  its  appearance,  and  its 


132  MEMOIR. 

natural  scenery  never  more  completely  charmed  me.* 
Our  visit  has  been  very  pleasant,  and  is  marred  only  by 
the  thought  that  we  have,  while  here,  done  so  little  for  our 

Saviour Do   not   think  that  amidst  these  scenes 

you  and  your  dear  husband  and  children,  our  beloved 
church  and  people,  and  he  who  now  ministers  to  you,  are 
forgotten.  You  have  a  continual  place  in  our  hearts.  It 
was  something  like  a  disappointment  to  us,  that  you  could 
not  tell  us  of  some  instances  of  awakening  among  the 
people.  We  cannot  but  expect  as  well  as  hope  it.  Men- 
tion us  with  sentiments  of  affection  to  all  who  inquire 
after  us.  We  long  after  you  all  with  desire  for  your  spir- 
itual good." 

"  New- York  city,  June  1.     Our  ride  hither   has  been 
very  pleasant.     Nature  is  in   her   loveliest    attire.     She 

smiles  and  diffuses  around  her  richest  fragrance 

I  walked  out  to  visit  a  garden  this  morning   before  nine 

o'clock This  is,  indeed,  a  great  city — a  moving 

mass  of  human  beings,  enough  to  excite  the  sympathy 
of  every  Christian  bosom.  The  Lord  have  mercy  on  this 
vast  collection  of  immortal  souls !  At  12  o'clock,  visited 
Peale's  Museum,  and  spent  an  hour  in  looking  at  its  va- 
rious objects  of  interest.  We  went  then  to  the  Bible 
Society's  House,  and  walked  between  piles  of  Bibles 
higher  than  we  could  reach.  I  felt  an  awe  pervade  my 
spirit.  The  place  seemed  holy,  and  I  could  not  but  ren- 
der praise  to  God   for   thus  multiplying  the  copies  of  his 


*  "The  scenery  of  the  town  is  remarkably  picturesque;  it  is  emphatically 
a  place  of  hills  and  springs  of  water.  Copse,  dingle  and  glen  are  scatter- 
ed about  in  lavish  abundance  and  wild  variety.  These  and  other  circum- 
stances, have  thrown  a  more  than  common  degree  of  splendor  upon  the 
place,  and  rendered  it  more  conspicuous  than  many  others  of  greater  nu- 
merical importance." — History  of  Norwich,  by  Miss  F.  M.  Caulking 


MEMOIR.  133 

Word.  We  visited  the  room  where  thirty  to  forty  girls  are 
stitching  the  sacred  volume ;  who  appeared  very  cheer- 
ful and  happy,  and  soon  after  our  entrance  commenced 
singing,  most  sweetly,  the  hymn — 

1  Children  of  the  heavenly  King, 
As  ye  journey  sweetly  sing.' 

They  sung  it  quite  through,  their  work  continuing  at  the 
same  time.  You  will  recollect  that  not  long  since  there 
was  a  revival  of  religion  among  the  girls  of  this  depart- 
ment, which  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  a  large  propor- 
tion of  them I  have  not  been   able  as  yet  to 

visit  the  Tract  House ;  but  have  been  to  see  some  other 
places  of  interest,  of  which  I  cannot  now  write  particu- 
larly." 

"  Washington  Village,  N.  J.,  June  5.  We  crossed  the 
North  River  at  Hoboken  Ferry  at  10  o'clock  Thursday 
morning,  and  passed  through  Newark,  and  some  other 
places,  to  Morristown,  where  we  spent  the  night.  Soon 
after  stopping,  we  saw  a  gathering  at  the  place  of  wor- 
ship—the chapel.  After  tea  we  repaired  thither,  though 
it  was  so  crowded  that  we  found  it  difficult  to  obtain  a 
seat.  It  was  apparent  that  an  unusual  religious  impres- 
sion was  upon  the  minds  of  the  community.  The  ser- 
vices were  deeply  interesting  —  prayers  fervent.  We 
learned  that  upwards  of  eighty  were  to  be  added  to  the 
church  the  next  Sabbath.  The  temptation  was  strong 
to  tarry  and  witness  the  impressive  scene,  which  we  were 
warmly  invited  to  do,  and  Mr.  D.  to  assist  in  the  preach- 
ing ;  but  duty  seemed  to  require  the  prosecution  of  our 
journey. 

"  To-day  (Friday)  we  have  had  the  most  delightful 
12  * 


134  MEMOIR. 

day's  ride  of  any  since  we  left  home.  The  weather  has 
been  fine.  The  scenery  through  which  we  have  passed 
is  most  enchanting.  The  eye,  the  ear,  the  sense  of  smell, 
have  all  been  amply  regaled  with  the  objects  adapted  to 
afford  them  delight.  We  have  ascended  and  descended 
the  Schooly  mountain.  We  dined  on  its  summit,  in  one 
of  the  delightful  spots  of  earth,  where  we  would  willingly 
have  lingered.  At  this  place  there  is  a  mineral  spring 
which  is  of  considerable  celebrity,  and  makes  this  one  of 
the  watering  places  of  the  State.  There  is  a  number  of 
fine  boarding-houses,  for  those  who  wish  to  resort  thither, 
and  bath-houses  attached  to  each.  That  at  which  we 
stopped  was  most  delightfully  situated,  surrounded  by  ex- 
tensive yards  filled  with  large  trees.  The  house  was  hand- 
somely furnished,  and  in  one  of  the  yards  were  accommo- 
dations for  swinging,  a  kind  of  gymnastic  of  which  I  am 
remarkably  fond.  I  took  the  benefit  of  them  after  din- 
ner. We  tarried  only  till  5  o'clock,  and  then  descended 
on  the  opposite  side,  and  followed  the  river  Musconethong 
at  its  western  base  through  a  rich  valley  of  several  miles. 
The  fields  were  fresh  and  green ;  the  white  clover  was 
in  blossom  j  the  fruit  and  forest  trees  were  adorned 
with  their  new  foliage  ;  and  the  valley  seemed  almost  like 
Eden.  I  suppose,  however,  that,  in  fact,  Eden  is  not 
there.  Its  innocence,  which  was  the  main  thing  in  the 
primitive  enclosure,  has  fled  from  earth. 

"  Notwithstanding  the  pleasantness  of  our  journey,  and 
all  the  agreeable  things  we  enjoy,  we  do  most  fondly  look 
back  to  our  beloved  home,  and  often  sigh  for  a  return. 
Often  have  we  said  to  each  other,  if  inclination  alone 
were  to  be  consulted,  how  gladly  should  we  set  our  faces 
homeward,  and  assume  again  our  responsible  duties.  O 
for  health,  and  every  necessary  qualification  to  serve  the 
Lord!" 


MEMOIR.  135 

"Nazareth,  Perm.,  Monday  morning,  June  8.  We 
reached  this  place  safely  Saturday  evening.  Our  ride, 
the  earlier  part  of  the  day  especially,  was  through  a  pleas- 
ant country.  The  wildness  and  beauty  of  the  scenery,  in 
some  parts,  charmed  me.  I  have  seen  a  number  of 
wild  spots,  but  never  saw  any  thing  that  quite  equalled 
the  throwings  together  of  nature  as  you  come  in  sight  of 
the  Delaware  river,  with  Philipsburgh  on  the  New-Jersey 
side,  and  Easton  on  the  Pennsylvania  side.  I  wish  I 
could  so  describe  it,  that  you  could  conceive  the  romantic 
character  of  the  landscape,  viewed  from  an  eminence 
which  overlooks  the  whole. 

"  Nazareth  is  a  Moravian  settlement.  It  is  a  consid- 
erable village,  built  mostly  of  stone  and  brick,  and  con- 
tains a  celebrated  Moravian  academy.  The  German  lan- 
guage is  chiefly  spoken  by  the  inhabitants,  though  they 
speak  tolerably  good  English,  when  occasion  calls  for  it. 
They  are  proverbially  kind  and  affectionate  in  their  man- 
ners. Yesterday  we  attended  church  with  them  in  the 
morning,  it  being  their  only  public  service  for  the  day. 
It  was  Whitsuntide,  or  the  feast  of  the  Pentecost,  with 
them.  The  whole  service  was  conducted  in  German. 
The  singing  was  accompanied  with  instrumental  music — 
a  large  number  of  instruments  ;  an  organ,  a  bass-viol,  a 
counter  bass-viol,  and  a  tenor-viol,  two  violins,  and  two 
French  horns.  They  make  much  of  music  in  their  wor- 
ship ;  though  we  understood  that  there  were  some  addi- 
tions to  their  ordinary  music  yesterday,  on  account  of  its 
being  one  of  their  festivals.  The  preacher  appeared 
much  interested  and  engaged  in  his  subject,  which  was 
from  Joel  ii.  28  and  onward,  relating  to  the  descent  of  the 
Spirit,  and  appropriate  to  the  occasion.  He  is  much  es- 
teemed here  for  his  excellencies,  and  the  people  are 
mourning  his  contemplated  departure  from  them  to  the 


136  MEMOIR, 

city  of  New-York.  He  gives  his  farewell  sermon  this 
morning  in  English. 

"  The  church  will  accommodate  about  four  hundred. 
The  seats  are  all  on  the  floor,  there  being  no  gallery. 
They  all  front  the  speaker.  The  women  are  seated  on 
one  side,  and  the  men  on  the  other.  The  children  occu- 
py the  front  seats.  The  adults  and  young  married  peo- 
ple sit  back  of  them,  and  still  further  back  the  aged  of  the 
assembly.  Scarcely  a  bonnet  is  seen  in  church.  The  fe- 
males wear  caps  close  on  their  heads ;  and  it  is  quite  a 
singular  appearance,  to  see  them  going  and  returning 
from  church,  old,  young,  and  middle-aged,  in  their  caps 
only.  Even  the  little  girls  are  arrayed  in  this  manner. 
Twenty  or  thirty  of  them  entered  the  church  together, 
with  their  caps,  made  like  those  of  their  mothers  and 
grand-mothers,  except  that  some  of  the  most  aged  may 
have  had  something  a  little  peculiar. 

"  We  visited  also  the  grave-yard,  which  is  singularly 
neat.  The  graves  of  females  occupy  one  side,  and  of 
males  the  other,  while  a  broad  alley  runs  through  the 
whole  yard.  The  graves  are  in  straight  rows,  each  one 
turfed  over,  and  a  stone  laid  horizontally  on  it,  contain- 
ing nothing  but  the  name  and  age  of  the  person  sleeping 
beneath.  Many  of  the  graves  have  bunches  of  the  herb 
thyme  growing  on  them,  and  some  are  covered  with  roses 
and  other  flowers.     The  whole  is  chaste  and  impressive. 

"  We  have  returned  from  the  morning  service.  Mr. 
Van  Vleck  gave  his  farewell  discourse.  It  has  been 
deeply  impressive  by  its  eloquence  and  purity.  At  a 
short  visit  to  his  house  also,  we  found  him,  in  private 
conversation,  a  very  interesting  man.  I  have  rarely,  in 
so  short  a  time,  witnessed  so  much  of  the  simplicity  and 
loveliness  of  the  Christian  character." 


MEMOIR.  137 

"  Wilkesbarre,  Penn.,  June  11.  About  the  middle  of 
the  forenoon  on  Monday  we  bade  Nazareth  adieu,  and 
pursued  our  way  to  the  Wind  Gap  in  the  Blue  Ridge. 
The  Wind  Gap  is  an  opening  or  break  in  the  mountains, 
through  which  the  traveller  passes  without  ascending 
and  descending  their  steep  and  rugged  sides.  A  few  miles 
from  this  we  made  our  stop  for  the  middle  of  the  day  at  a 
small  tavern  in  a  very  lovely  spot.  The  people  were 
High  Dutch,  and  conversed  altogether  in  their  own  lan- 
guage, except  with  those  who  do  not  understand  it.  I 
was  much  interested  in  an  old  lady  who  sat  in  the  door 
picking  wool.  She  must  have  been  full  eighty,  though 
quite  firm  and  healthy  in  her  appearance.  She  wore  a 
neat  cap,  made  in  the  old  style,  but  had  on  neither  shoes 
nor  stockings.  I  sat  down  in  the  entry  to  hear  her  and 
one  of  her  neighbors  converse  together.  She  spoke  to 
me  in  her  native  language,  but  perceiving  I  did  not  under- 
stand her,  she  said  in  English,  '  You  not  know  Dutch.' 
On  my  telling  her  I  did  not,  she  said,  very  emphatically, 
'why  you  not  learn  it  ?  '  as  if  my  ignorance  was  truly  un- 
pardonable. I  told  her  I  could  talk  English  fast  enough, 
and  that  the  people  where  I  lived  did  not  speak  Dutch. 
She  seemed  surprised,  and  made  some  inquiries  about  the 
place  of  my  residence. 

"About  ten  miles  from  this  place,  we  began  to  ascend 
the  Pokono  mountains,  which  our  dear  sister  T.  crossed, 
twenty-three  years  ago,  in  coming  to  Wilkesbarre.  There 
is  little  to  interest  on  the  broad  back  of  this  mountain — 
more  than  twenty  miles  across — except  the  numerous 
eminences,  which,  as  often  as  attained,  give  opportunity 
of  looking  around  on  other  and  far  distant  elevations, 
and,  all  together,  reminding  one  of  the  vastness  of  the 
Creator's  works.  There  are  two  or  three  meagre  villages 
scattered  along  the  way,  and  now  and  then  a  log-house. 


138  MEMOIR. 

In  general  the  trees  are  rather  of  a  stinted  growth,  and 
often  there  is  little  seen  around  but  shrubs  of  various 
descriptions.  The  immediate  ascent  and  descent,  how- 
ever, are  deeply  wooded.  The  descent  westward,  which 
leads  directly  to  the  village  of  W.,  presents  a  grand  and 
picturesque  view  of  the  valley  of  Wyoming,  of  which 
poets  have  sung,  and  which  is,  indeed,  most  charming. 
The  towering  Pokono  hanging  above  us  and  at  our  sides 
as  we  descend,  the  gradual  slope  which  opens  to  us  the 
long-stretching  valley  for  many  miles,  the  Susquehannah 
river  winding  its  course  through  this  valley,  between  its 
verdant  banks,  with  several  islands  embosomed  in  its 
waters,  the  villages  up  and  down,  and  the  cultivated  fields 
and  orchards,  with  the  distant  mountains  which  lie  on  the 
opposite  side,  as  if  designed  for  a  western  barrier,  shield- 
ing from  invasion,  form  no  common  assemblage  of  the 
beautiful  and  the  grand.  The  sun  shone  brightly  on  the 
whole  scene,  as  we  viewed  it,  and  I  could  not  but  ex- 
claim, '  My  Father  made  it  all  ! '  and  praise  him  for  giv- 
ing such  elements  of  interest  to  his  works. 

"  And  this  is  the  spot  where  our  dear  sister  T.  passed 
the  few  last  months  of  her  earthly  pilgrimage,  and  where 
she  took  her  flight  to  the  eternal  world.  The  house 
where  she  lived  has  been  pointed  out  to  me.  I  have 
passed  it  with  a  melancholy  interest.  I  have  visited  the 
narrow  abode  where  she  sleeps,  with  her  husband  beside 
her.  You  will  not  doubt  that,  with  my  peculiar  tempera- 
ment, I  have  something  to  suffer,  as  well  as  to  enjoy, 
while  here.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  many  there  are  who 
remember  and  converse  about  her  with  lively  interest.  I 
am,  indeed,  even  surprised,  at  the  deep  interest  which 
years  have  not  been  able  to  obliterate  from  the  hearts  of 
those  who  intimately  knew  her.     Why  was  she  so  soon 


MEMOIR.  139 

taken  ?  But  God  has  done  it,  and  I  charge  my  heart  to 
be  still.  May  his  blessing  rest  on  the  dear  orphan  child 
she  left.  For  him  I  often  feel  solicitude.  A  God  of 
mercy  and  a  hearer  of  prayer  will,  I  hope,  be  his  God." 

"  Montrose,  Penn.,  June  13.  We  left  Wilkesbarre 
yesterday,  with  gratitude  for  many  attentions  received 
there  for  our  dear  sister's  sake,  while  my  own  eyes  were 
suffused  with  tears  at  the  thousand  tender  recollections 

which  came  swarming  over   my    mind. For  the 

first  fifteen  miles,  on  the  banks  of  the  Susquehannah,  we 
had  a  fine  road,  and  delightful  scenery.  Since  then,  our 
way  has  been  ascending  and  descending,  till  we  have 
reached  this  (what  may  be  called)  'village  in  the  moun- 
tains.' It  is  a  pleasant  village,  and  here  we  pass  to-mor- 
row, the  Sabbath." 

"Owego,  N.  Y.,  June  16.  We  reached  this  pleas- 
ant village  last  evening,  after  a  very  tedious  ride.  It  is 
on  the  banks  of  the  Susquehannah,  which  river  we  have 
now  crossed  three  times.  It  is  twenty-nine  miles  distant 
from  Montrose,  and  the  road  is  one  of  the  most  hilly 
imaginable.  It  is  a  common  remark  with  the  teamsters 
who  travel  it,  that  there  is  not  a  place  through  the  whole 
distance  where  a  carriage  will  stand  still !  I  have  walked 
up  many  an  ascent,  and  should  have  been  glad  to  do  so  in 
respect  to  them  all,  for  the  relief  of  our  horse,  but  have 
really  become  lame  in  walking.  A  journey,  like  the  jour- 
ney of  life,  must  have  its  inconveniences,  as  well  as  its 
pleasures." 

"  Sweden,  N.  Y.,  June  22.  Leaving  Owego,  we 
passed  a  day  at  Ithica  with  friends  very  pleasantly  ;  and 
thence,  through  Geneva,  Canandaigua,  and  other  pleasant 


140  MEMOIR. 

villages,  came  to  this  place.  Mr.  Dimmick's  father  and 
mother  and  a  sister,  have  all  departed  to  the  other  world 
within  a  year  past — the  last  mentioned  only  about  four 
weeks  previous  to  our  arrival.  These  are  sad  changes, 
and  have  clothed  every  thing  here  with  gloom.  May  we 
be  profited  by  such  dispensations  !" 

"  Lockport,  June  27.  Our  passage  hither  in  the  canal 
boat  yesterday  was  very  agreeable.  Though  the  mode  of 
conveyance  is  not  rapid,  yet  the  constantly  shifting  scene 
prevents  it  from  being  tedious ;  and  there  is  almost  as 
much  change  within,  as  without — at  nearly  every  station 
some  leaving  and  others  coming  on  board  to  supply  their 
place.  With  two  or  three  female  passengers  I  had  a  good 
deal  of  conversation.  One  was  a  young  lady  from  Penn- 
sylvania, who  was  returning  to  her  home  at  the  West  with 
her  father.  She  had  been  in  P.  at  school ;  was  gay  and 
full  of  spirits.  There  was  considerable  native  simplicity 
about  her  and  an  openness  which  interested  me.  One  of 
the  ladies,  (both  of  whom  were  acquainted  with  her,)  ask- 
ed her  of  the  novel  she  had  been  reading.  She  professed 
herself  deeply  interested  in  novels ;  and  hoping  that 
some  remarks  might  be  made  that  would  be  useful  to  her 
in  future,  I  endeavored  to  sustain  the  conversation,  and 
soon  found  that  the  ladies  had  both  left  me  to  the  task  of 
convincing  their  young  friend  of  the  deleterious  influence 
of  novels,  when  perused  with  the  avidity  with  which  she 
unhesitatingly  declared  that  she  read  them.  She  acknowl- 
edged the  justice  of  several  considerations  advanced,  and 
smiled  often  as  if  she  had  been  conscious  of  the  very 
results  mentioned  in  her  own  case.  As  our  conversation 
proceeded  I  endeavored  to  become  more  serious,  and  ask- 
ed her  if  she  had  ever  paid  as  much  attention  to  the  sub- 
ject of  religion.     She  smiled,  but  not  gaily,   and  said, 


MEMOIR.  141 

'  No,  but  she  always  attended  family  devotions  morning 
and  evening  ;  read  a  chapter  twice  a  day  in  her  Bible  ; 
and  went  to  church  on  Sabbath-days.  That,  she  said, 
was  what  she  gave  to  religion ;  that  she  had  regular  hours 
for  her  various  studies,  which  were  not  suffered  to  be 
broken  in  upon  by  any  company  or  inferior  pursuit ;  and 
that  the  rest  of  her  time  was  given  to  reading  novels  and 
other  amusements.'  The  great  frankness  with  which  she 
made  me,  though  a  stranger,  acquainted  with  these  par- 
ticulars, heightened  my  interest  in  her,  and  I  pressed  the 
subject  with  as  much  closeness,  mingled  with  tenderness, 
as  I  could.  She  looked  serious  at  times,  and  once  I  ob- 
served a  rising  tear.  After  some  other  conversation,  she 
asked  me  if  we  were  going  to  the  Falls.  I  told  her  it 
was  possible,  but  not  immediately.  She  replied,  she 
wished  we  were,  as  she  should  like  my  company.  What, 
said  I,  if  I  am  going  to  talk  all  the  way,  as  I  have  done, 
for  it  is  very  possible  I  should  ?  '  O  yes,'  she  said,  ■  for 
it  would  be  for  good.'  After  tea  we  were  soon  seated  to- 
gether, and  feeling  that  the  time  was  short  before  we 
should  separate,  I  renewed  the  conversation.  She  had 
just  been  complaining  of  the  tediousness  of  being  shut  up 
in  the  cabin,  &,c.  But,  omitting  any  observation  on  that 
point,  I  continued  to  press  on  her  the  importance  of  giv- 
ing up  the  follies  of  the  world,  and  attending  to  religion 
as  a  personal  concern.  She  evidently  felt  somewhat  the 
force  of  the  truth  that  it  was  her  duty  ;  and  summoning 
resolution,  she  told  me  she  had  recently  felt  very  strangely, 
as  she  expressed  it ;  that  she  knew  not  what  to  make  of 
it ;  that  during  her  journey  she  had  been  in  a  different 
state  of  mind  from  what  she  had  felt  at  any  previous  time 
until  that  day,  when  from  company,  &,c.  she  had  been 
more  gay.  I  drew  from  her  the  particulars  of  her  feel- 
ings ;  and,  by  what  she  told  me,  I  was  convinced  that 
13 


142  MEMOIR. 

her  long  journey  in  company  with  her  father,  having  taken 
her  off  from  her  young  companions,  had  been  made  a 
season  of  reflection,  in  which  the  all-merciful  Spirit  of 
God  had  been  leading  her  mind  to  a  measure  of  considera- 
tion on  the  things  of  her  peace.  One  or  two  special 
providences  also  had  assisted.  I  exhorted  her  to  fall  in 
with  these  strivings  of  the  Spirit;  and  endeavored  to  com- 
mend her,  and  the  short  conversation  I  had  had  with  her, 
to  God  who  performeth  all  things  well ;  and  hope  it  may 
be  a  link  in  the  chain  of  means  which  shall  eventually 
bring  her  to  f  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.'  " 

This  passage  is  inserted  thus  at  length,  as  the  incident 
related  is  an  illustration  of  Mrs.  Dimmick's  manner  in 
travelling.  In  the  canal  boat,  or  stage  coach,  or  railroad 
car,  she  did  not,  through  fear,  or  unwillingness  to  meet 
the  cross,  conceal  her  religion.  More  than  is  usual,  she 
carried  her  heart  in  her  hand.  And  yet  she  had  such  a 
way  of  introducing  serious  subjects,  as,  in  general,  not  to 
give  offence,  but  engage  attention,  and  make  the  cause 
of  truth  respected.  She  felt  the  duty  of  scattering  seed 
by  the  way-side  all  along  her  pilgrimage.  Her  journeys 
for  relaxation  found  her  still  active.  In  harmony  with 
which  is  a  passage  in  a  letter  on  another  occasion  to  her 
sister  :  "  I  hope  you  will  be  able  to  do  good  in  your  ab- 
sence, as  well  as  receive  good.  How  important  is  it,  that, 
wherever  we  are,  we  should  be  about  our  Master's  busi- 
ness. We  cannot  help  exerting  influence.  Let  us  exert 
it  for  Him,  and  his  cause,  who  gave  himself  for  us." 

"  Buffalo,  July  16.  Since  my  last,  dear  sister,  we  have 
passed  through  a  variety  of  scenes.  Leaving  Lockport, 
after  two  or  three  days'  visit  with  Mr.  Dimmick's  brother 
and  sister  Story,  we  came  to  this  place,  and   hence  went 


MEMOIR.  143 

immediately  to  Erie,  Penn.  There  we  tarried  with  friends 
a  fortnight — much  longer  than  we  intended,  being  detain- 
ed by  Mr.  Dimmick's  illness.  We  visited  friends  also  at 
Ripley  ;  passed  a  few  hours  with  a  college  acquaintance 
of  Mr.  Dimmick's  at  Dunkirk  ;  and  are  now  returned  as 
far  as  this  place  on  our  way  home.  Our  visits  have  been 
very  pleasant,  except  that  they  have  been  marred  with 
sickness,  as  every  thing  earthly  is  more  or  less  marred. 
We  leave  here  in  an  hour  or  two  for  Niagara  Falls." 

"  Lewiston,  July  17.  I  must  just  tell  you  of  our  ride 
to  this  place  yesterday.  Leaving  Buffalo  at  9  o'clock,  we 
crossed  the  Niagara  river  at  Black  Rock,  in  a  crazy 
horse-boat,  and  found  ourselves  at  once  in  his  majesty's 
dominions,  under  a  clear  sky  and  bright  sun,  with  the 
noble  Niagara  on  our  right,  pursuing  its  course  to  its  ab- 
rupt and  mighty  descent.  Within  a  few  miles  of  the 
great  object  of  attraction,  we  saw  at  a  distance  something 
like  the  smoke  of  a  burning  mass,  and  were  conjecturing 
what  it  might  be,  when  a  passenger  on  the  out-side  of  the 
stage  informed  us  that  it  was  the  spray  from  the  Falls — 
which  we  found  to  be  the  case.  After  dinner,  we  took  a 
survey,  of  an  hour  or  two,  of  this  great  wonder.  I  shall 
not  attempt  now  to  describe  to  you  Niagara  Falls.  I  con- 
templated the  scene  from  some  points  from  which  I 
had  not  before  beheld  it.  From  whatever  point  this  great 
assemblage  of  impressive  objects  is  viewed,  it  strikes  the 
mind  with  awe.  A  second  visit  is  no  less  interesting  than 
the  first,  nine  years  ago. 

"  From  Niagara  we  proceeded  to  Queenstown ;  on 
whose  heights  is  Brock's  monument,  erected  to  the  memo- 
ry of  Gen.  Brock,  who  fell  at  this  place  in  an  engagement 
with  the  Americans  in  the  last  war.  We  entered  it,  and 
ascended  to  its  top  by  a  winding  flight  of  stairs,  of  one 


144 


MEMOIR 


hundred  and  seventy  steps.  Near  the  top  is  a  gallery,  or 
platform,  on  the  outside,  surrounded  by  an  iron  railing-, 
from  which  the  view,  especially  in  a  northerly  direction, 
stretching  over  lake  Ontario  and  the  Canadas,  is  most 
magnificent. 

"  We  were  soon  after  at  this  village  ;  whence  we  pro- 
ceed early  in  the  morning  homeward." 


Near  the  close  of  1829,  and  till  towards  the  middle  of 
1830,  Mrs.  Dimmick  was  left  alone.  An  enfeebled  state 
of  health  rendered  it  necessary  for  her  husband  to  spend 
the  cold  season  in  a  Southern  climate.  Much  satisfaction 
and  benefit  would  have  accrued  to  him,  could  she  have 
accompanied  him.  But  some  insuperable  difficulties  ap- 
peared to  lie  in  the  way.  He  left  home  the  21st  of  De- 
cember, and  returned  the  1 6th  of  the  following  June. 

A  clergyman's  wife,  under  these  circumstances,  is 
placed  in  a  trying  situation.  The  pulpit  is  supplied  by 
another  than  her  husband.  She  feels  a  double  care  and 
solicitude  that  things  may  go  well,  while  the  sympathy 
and  aid  to  which  she  has  been  accustomed  are  withdrawn 
from  her.  The  burdens  that  devolve  on  her,  she  has  to 
bear  alone ;  besides  the  anxieties  she  feels  for  the  absent, 
amidst  the  perils  of  seas  and  other  climes. 

A  few  extracts  from  Mrs.  Dimmick's  letters  to  her  hus- 
band, during  this  absence,  will  show  how  she  passed  these 
lonely  months. 

"Jan.  20,  1830.  Truly  ours  should  be  the  language 
of  praise  to  God  for  his  mercy  in  preserving  you  to  reach 
the  land  after  your  tedious  voyage I  have  made 


MEMOIR.  145 

about  twenty-five  calls  in  the  parish  since  you  left.  Mr. 
J.  S.  is  declining  gradually.  I  have  visited  him  twice.  I 
feel  anxious  for  his  salvation,  and  have  endeavored  to 
urge  on  him  ■  Repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  towards 

our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' Mr.  H.  is  faithful  in  his 

preaching,  and  desires  to  do  good  among  us." 

"  Feb.  11.  The  colored  woman  of  whom  I  spoke  in 
my  last,  continues  deeply  impressed.  Another  individual 
has  had  his  mind  turned  to  religion  in  a  sudden  manner. 
God  seems  to  be  doing  something  among  us.  Mrs.  S  has 
at  length  departed  from  this  evil  world.  Mr.  S.  remains 
about  the  same.  I  shall  go  to  see  him  as  soon  I  can.  .  . 
.  .  .  You  speak  of  books.  Father  Henry  has  engrossed 
more  of  my  attention  of  late  than  any  other  author.  I 
am  more  engaged  in  thinking,  than  in  reading,  just  now. 
I  sift  things  over  and  over,  till  there  seems  little  left  to 
work  upon,  sometimes." 

"  Feb.  20.  I  have  had  much  conflict  of  late  in  my 
own  heart,  and  some  trials  from  without,  which  combined 
have  borne  heavily  upon  me.  But  I  hope  the  trial  is  less- 
ening  Mrs.  F.  (the  colored  woman)  appears  to 

have  passed  from  death  unto  life." 

"  Feb.  27.  It  would  please  me  much  to  be  with  you 
in  viewing  all  that  is  fine  at  the  South  ;  but  could  I  only 
be  with  you  to  minister  to  your  comfort,  I  would  willingly 
forego  all  other  pleasures What  a  year  of  va- 
riety has  this  been  to  us.  God's  dealings  with  us  are 
mysterious.  But  *  why  should  a  living  man  complain  ? ' 
This  is  enough  to  silence  us.  O  that  sanctification  may 
ensue  from  this  severe  discipline.  God  often  chastens 
sharply,  before  he  bestows  signal  favors  ;  and  I  sometimes 
13* 


146  MEMOIR. 

dare  to  hope  that  he  means  some  great  kindness  to  us,  as 
the  result  of  our  present  correction.  Shall  it  be  winter 
all  the  year  1  This  is  not  the  case  usually  in  the  dealings 
of  our  merciful  condescending  God. 

"  At  the  inquiry  meeting  last  week,  ten  were  present. 

Four  or  five  of  them  had  not  attended  before.     Mr.  

was  at  the  meeting,  and  I  was  enabled  to  converse 

with  him  on  what  I  believe  is  the  grand  hindrance  to  his 
salvation,  (his  traffic  in  ardent  spirits,)  as  in  view  of  the 
judgment  day.  I  think  God  enabled  me  to  speak  for  him, 
and  so  to  speak  as  forever  to  clear  my  conscience,  though 
the    individual    concerned   should    continue  to  sin,   and 

finally  perish Mr.  H.   had   an   inquiry   meeting 

again  last  evening.     Fourteen  were  present." 

"  March  8.  Yours  of  Feb.  19,  reached  me  March  2, 
and  informed  me  of  your  contemplated  removal  from 
Charleston  to  Cuba.  You  will  not  be  surprised  when  I 
say,  that  it  has  cost  me  an  effort  to  become  reconciled  to 
this  measure.     But  I  hope  it  will  be  for  good. 

"  You  will  wish  to  know  how  things  are  with  us. 
There  are  some  occurences  a  little  favorable.  E.  P.  is 
awakened  to  a  sense  of  her  necessities  as  an  immortal 
being.  L.  B.  is  also  asking  earnestly,  '  what  she  shall  do 
to  be  saved?'  Two  or  three  others  appear  very  solemn. 
I  made  a  visit  among  the  colored  people  on  Friday  last. 
Mr.  F.  appears  thoughtful  and  somewhat  impressed.  He  has 
abstained  from  rum  the  fortnight  past,  and  reads  his  Bible, 
and  has  prayed  in  his  family.  He  says  he  '  has  been 
serious  before,  but  did  not  continue  so,  because  drinking 
spirit   would   not  let    him.'     This    would   answer   for   a 

description  of  many  a  poor  wretch Mrs.  R.  B. 

is  a  little  better.     I  called  to  see  her  on  Saturday 


MEMOIR.  147 

I  have  been  out  this  afternoon  to  see  some  sick  persons 
in  the  parish." 

"March  14.  On  Tuesday  I  called  at  Mr.  E.  B.'s, 
and  had  conversation  with  Mrs.  B.  and  L.  their  daugh- 
ter. I  found  the  latter  hoping  that  she  had  cast  her- 
self on  a  Saviour's  mercy.  On  Wednesday  I  called 
at  Mr.  F.'s,  and  found  Mrs.  F.  a  good  deal  solicitous 
about  the  things  of  her  peace.  In  the  evening  a  meeting 
was  held  at  Mr.  B.'s,  and  about  sixty  were  present.  Some 
neighborhood  meetings  were  held  in  town  at  the  same 
time.  I  think  we  have  not  before  seen,  in  this  place,  so 
general  a  quickening  among  Christians." 

"  April  20.  I  have  this  morning  visited  Mrs.  I.  C, 
who  has  a  child  lying  dead.  Mr.  C.  has  a  child,  but  a  lit- 
tle younger,  very  low.  How  many  of  the  dear  children, 
born  about  the  time  of  our  own,  have  been  early  taken 
from  this  world  of  sin.  May  we  not  hope  that  they  form 
an  angel  band  in  the  heavenly  world,  praising  together 
the  great  Redeemer  ?  Who  would  regret  contributing 
to  so  glorious  a  result?  *  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as 
it  is  in  heaven  ! '" 

"  June  1.  M.  F.  hopes  she  has  given  herself  to 
her  Saviour,  likewise  H.  M.  and  one  or  two  others.  .  .  . 
.  .  We  have  been  arranging  matters  lately  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  charitable  infant  school.  Several  ladies  are 
engaged  about  it,  and  have  contributed  to  its  advance- 
ment. They  have,  however,  put  the  burden  of  its  estab- 
lishment chiefly  on  me,  others  assisting.  I  did  not  feel 
able  to  assume  the  responsibility,  and  know  not  how  it 
will  succeed.  But  I  felt  encouraged  by  the  words,  '  cast 
thy  burden  on   the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain  thee.'     I 


148  MEMOIR. 

hope  the  Lord  will  take  care  of  it,  and  then   it  will  cer- 
tainly do  well  and  accomplish  good. 

"  When  I  contemplate  the  arduousness  of  your  work, 
how  much  it  needs  all  the  strength  of  body  you  have,  and 
all  the  ardor  of  the  soul,  I  hardly  dare  think  of  your  re- 
turn. This  is  a  great  work  indeed,  and  I  have  never 
thought  of  it  with  feelings  of  deeper  solemnity,  and  I 
may  add,  at  times,  of  distress  even,  than  since  your  al> 
sence.     ■  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things?'" 

These  passages  show  how  she  was  employed  during  the 
anxious  period  in  question ;  still  serving  the  Redeemer, 
and  the  people  in  the  midst  of  whom  the  providence  of 
God  had  placed  her.  "  Our  dear  Mrs.  Dimmick,"  said  a 
letter  from  a  friend,  during  the  time,  "  is  much  engaged 
in  promoting  our  prayer-meetings,  and  other  good  things. 
It  is  a  great  comfort  to  have  her  with  us  during  your  ab- 
sence." 


CHAPTER    IX. 

Extracts  of  Letters  to  a  Hesitating  Inquirer — Some  further  Letters  on 
Kindred  Subjects. 

The  labors  of  Mrs.  Dimmick's  pen  were  sometimes 
employed  with  those  immediately  around  her,  to  win  them 
to  Christ.  Instances  of  this  kind,  supply  the  material 
for  this  chapter.  The  first  is  the  case  of  a  young  friend 
somewhat  captivated  with  the  gayeties  of  life  ;  and,  at  the 
same  time,  struggling  hard  to  escape  from  the  claims  of 
evangelical  doctrine,  in  which  she  had  been  educated. 
With  much  reasoning  in  conversation,  much  also  was 
done  in  writing.  The  following  passages — taken  from 
letters  and  notes  without  date,  but  spreading  over  a  year 
or  two — will  show  the  spirit  and  manner  of  her  part  of 
the  correspondence.  Here  also  she  was  permitted  to  see 
good  fruit  of  her  labor. 

"  Dear :    Be  entreated  to  become  a  Christian — a 

decided  Christian.  Disappoint  the  great  adversary  of 
your  best  interests,  and  be  an  example  to  your  gay  friends ; 
and  procure  thus,  moreover,  the  approbation  of  your  own 
conscience,  and  of  your  Saviour  and  your  God." 

*'  It  is  the  mark  of  an  ingenuous  (and  has  often  been 


150  MEMOIR. 

the  proof  of  a  great)  mind,  to  confess  ourselves  in  the 
wrong,  when  wrong  has  been  committed,  and  to  pursue  the 
straight  line  of  duty,  against  the  powerful  influence  of 
censure  and  sarcasm." 

"  Dear .     I  advise  you  to  attend  the  meeting  this 

evening,  for  baptized  children.  Your  connection  with  the 
church  by  baptism  gives  you  a  right  there,  of  which  no 
one  on  earth  can  deprive  you.  And  may  the  Saviour  of 
lost  sinners  meet  you  there,  and  cause  your  heart  to  melt 
in  penitence;  lead  you  to  embrace  him  as  your  Redeemer, 
and  enable  you  to  renounce  a  world  which  allures  you 
from  the  path  of  duty  and  of  life !" 

" Never   apologize  for   coming  to  see  me,  when 

the  important  interest  of  the  soul  is  the  object  of  the  visit. 
You  did  not  detain  me  from  a  single  duty  yesterday.  I 
imagine  sometimes  that  you  do  not  wish  me  to  be  quite 
so  free  as  I  often  am.  Then  I  banish  such  thoughts.  I 
certainly  tremble  for  you  in  your  present  position.  There 
is  no  safety  for  you  till  your  heart  is  given  to  your  Re- 
deemer." 

"  —  You  ask  if  I  have  not  something  good  for  you  1 
Interesting  question  !  I  have.  I  have  a  Saviour  to  offer 
you  !  one  infinitely  able  to  enlighten  your  understanding, 
and  sanctify  your  heart,  and  make  you  happy,  here  and 
forever  !  There  is  only  one  single  condition — one  easy 
condition— and  that  is,  that  you  will  just  come  to  him 
penitently,  and  receive  the  invaluable  gift.  Human  help 
is  vain.  You  need  His  help  who  is  able  to  save.  And 
let  me  say  to  you  that  he  is  also  willing — that  he  is  even 
waiting  to  be  gracious,  while  you  are  refusing  him  ad- 
mittance to  your  heart.     O  that  you  knew  the  blessedness 


of  him  that  believeth  !     But  you  have  no  steady,  perse- 


'  tf\\ 


vering,  ardent  wish  for  it,  and  neither  God,  angel,  nor 
man  can  consistently  force  it  on  a  free  moral  agent." 

" 1  hope  you  will  speedily  find  relief  by  repairing 

to  the  cross  of  Christ.  There  is  no  other  way  to  obtain 
scriptural  peace.  In  vain  is  mere  external  morality  ;  in 
vain  are  all  the  devices  of  man's  invention  ;  nothing  else 
will  meet  the  exigencies  of  our  case.  Again  I  say,  be  a 
Christian  — a  consistent  Christian — an  entire  Christian, 
whatever  it  may  cost  you.     Heaven  will  repay  all." 

" Do  not  be  concerned  at  the  thought  that  you 


trouble  me  with  the  overflowings  of  your  heart.  Your 
heart  and  your  life  have,  indeed,  been  such  as  they  should 
not  be.  But  Christ  came  to  call,  '  not  the  righteous, 
but  sinners  to  repentance,—  sinners  !  just  such  as  you  are. 
If  you  have  in  any  measure  given  yourself  to  the  Saviour, 
exercise  now  a  little  confidence  in  him.  Remember  that 
he  will  save  from  the  condemning  power  of  that  holy  law 
which  you  have  broken.  He  came  on  purpose  to  repair 
the  injury  done  by  sinners  in  violating  so  holy  and  good  a 
law,  and  was  perfectly  free  in  doing  it.  And  now  does 
he  not  feel  a  sacred  and  divine  delight  in  seeing  a  sinner 
come  and  accept  that  righteousness  which  he  offers — a 
sinner  feeling  and  confessing  that  he  has  none  of  his 
own?  This  leads  to  true  gratitude.  This  lays  a  founda- 
tion for  a  new  life — a  life  of  obedience  from  holy  mo- 
tives, and  on  holy  principles  :  a  life  of  felt  obligation  for 
redeeming  love.  And  this  will  prepare  for  joining  in  the 
employments  and  enjoyments  of  heaven  ;  where  the  myste- 
ries of  this  world  will  be  unfolded,  and  every  redeemed 
soul  will  say,  «  He  hath  done  all  things  well ! '  " 


152  MEMOIR. 

"  You  are  afraid  of  selfishness  in  seeking  your  own 
salvation.  And  selfishness  is  our  easily  besetting  sin,  and 
the  source  of  all  sin,  and  should  be  most  sedulously 
guarded  against.  Yet  I  would  by  no  means  have  you  in- 
different in  regard  to  a  matter  which  has  cost  our  bless- 
ed Saviour  so  much  agony  and  pain.  Your  salvation 
from  eternal  misery  was  precious  in  his  sight,  and  ought 
to  be  in  yours.  He  does  not  merely  say,  '  Come  unto  me 
and  glorify  me;'  but,  'Come  unto  me  and  be  saved.' 
Yet,  thanks  to  his  name,  we  may  and  shall  glorify  him  if 
we  do  fully  come  to  him,  and  accept  this  salvation.  And 
how  could  we  bear  to  have  it  otherwise  ?  How  much 
would  it  take  from  the  satisfaction  of  religion,  if  nothing 
but  our  salvation  was  to  be  secured-,  and  we  had  no  pros- 
pect of  honoring,  of  glorifying  the  rich  and  wonderful 
grace,  of  our  great  Deliverer  ?  Could  we  bear  a  scheme 
so  selfish  1  Would  it  commend  itself  to  our  understand- 
ings, or  our  hearts?  No,  may  we  well  say,  no,  blessed 
Lord,  we  would  choose  just  such  a  salvation  as  thine  — 
abasing  while  it  exalts  the  sinner — honoring  that  law  which 
has  been  dishonored  by  us — and  bringing  to  view,  before 
the  intelligent  universe,  the  most  wonderful  condescen- 
sion, with  the  most  exalted  benevolence,  which  it  was  pos- 
sible for  God  to  show. 

"  And  now,  my  dear  friend,  leave  yourself  wholly  writh 
this  great  and  glorious  Saviour.  Abstain  as  much  as 
possible  from  dwelling  on  those  things  which  induce 
despair.  Trust  simply  in  Him.  This  will  honor  him. 
Fear  not  to  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done!1  for  it  is  the  tem- 
per of  heaven  ;  and  those  who  truly  say  it  shall  find  ac- 
ceptance with  God,  and  admittance  to  the  bright  world 
where  every  blessed  spirit  delights  to  do  all  God's  will." 

" Now  if  you  continue  to  look  to  the  Saviour 


MEMOIR.  153 

with  an  eye  of  faith,  instead  of  searching  for  righteous- 
ness in  yourself;  and  if  this  view  of  a  Saviour  leads  you 
to  a  new  and  obedient  course  of  life  ;  it  will  not  be  un- 
safe to  conclude  that  you  are  a  Christian — to  believe  that 
you  have  that  '  new  heart  and  right  spirit'  which  are 
pleasing  to  God,  and  are  the  fruit  of  his  own  gracious 
operation." 

" You  speak  of  your  natural  levity.  I  am  con- 
vinced that  you  need  to  exercise  a  more  strict  and  perse- 
vering watchfulness  over  yourself.  I  know,  by  my  own 
heart,  how  much  you  are  losing  by  not  maintaining  a  due 
measure  of  sobriety.  You  must  suppress  that  kind  of 
witty  talent  you  have,  or  I  fear  that  many  young  Chris- 
tians, with  no  more  advantages  than  you  possess,  (perhaps 
less,)  will  outstrip  you  in  the  race,  and  you  will  be  left  be- 
hind. Make  not  the  excuse,  that  you  cannot  do  better. 
You  can  ;  and  if  you  do  not,  you  will  reap  from  your  er- 
ror most  bitter  fruits." 

" If  you   have  conveyed   your  heart   away,   and 


have  had  conveyed  to  you,  or  I  would  rather  say,  confer- 
red upon  you,  pardon  and  peace  from  God  our  Saviour, 
this  is  happiness  enough.  I  hope  that  this  is  the  fountain 
at  which  you  are  now  drinking.  And  no  doubt  the  con- 
trast between  these  sweet  waters,  and  the  bitter  streams 
at  which  you  have  lately  been  drinking  so  largely,  aids  in 
giving  them  their  peculiar  relish.  O  be  careful  not  to 
mingle  them.  Be  watchful — nothing  but  sin  will  defile  or 
injure  you.  Live  wholly  devoted,  and  you  shall  have  con- 
tinual peace  ;  and  sleeping  or  waking,  living  or  dying,  the 
Saviour  and  the  fullness  of  his  perfection  is  pledged  for 
your  security — your  everlasting  joy  !  " 


14 


154  MEMOIR. 


The  following  is  to  a  young  friend  in  acknowledgement 
of  a  present. 

"  Dear .     I  intended,  before  this,  to  acknowledge 

your  acceptable  present.  Receive  my  thanks  for  it.  I 
assure  you  I  am  much  pleased  with  every  such  token  of 
affection  and  regard,  not  only  on  its  own  account,  but  par- 
ticularly as,  extended  to  a  minister's  wife,  indicative  of 
serious  respect  for  religion.  I  hope  ever  to  retain  a  place 
in  your  affections,  and  that  I  may  never  prove  myself  un- 
worthy of  it. 

"  And  now,  dear  friend,  can  I  better  show  my  love  to 
you,  than  in  telling  you,  that  I  feel  a  deep  interest  in  your 
spiritual  welfare?  I  greatly  desire  that  you  may  early 
know  the  happiness  which  flows  from  a  renewed  heart, 
and  the  consecration  of  your  earliest  and  best  affections 
to  the  Saviour  of  sinners.  Do,  my  dear  young  friend, 
give  your  immediate  and  undivided  attention  to  this  sub- 
ject. I  doubt  not  that  you  think  of  it  frequently  as  a 
matter  of  importance — as  something  that  must  be  attend- 
ed to,  if  your  future  and  eternal  state  shall  be  one  of  hap- 
piness. But,  alas!  there  is  no  subject  on  which  so  much 
procrastination  is  practiced,  as  on  this — and  yet  none 
where  it  is  so  dangerous  to  delay.  Allow  me  to  urge  you 
to  consider  this  subject  now,  before  the  world  presents 
any  more  allurements,  or  its  cares  press  more  upon  you. 
I  doubt  not  the  Spirit  waits  to  be  your  helper,  and  to 
bring  you  from  darkness  to  light ;  and  I  am  sure,  if  you 
should  once  feel  the  delightful  change,  your  joy  would  be 
overflowing ;  you  would  have  a  new  object  to  live  for, 
and  new  and  higher  sources  of  pleasure  opened  to  you 
than  you  have  ever  yet  enjoyed,  or  ever  can  enjoy  if  these 
are  rejected. 


MEMOIR. 


155 


"  Excuse  the  length  of  my  note,  and  accept  my  warm- 
est wishes,  and  most  fervent  prayers,  for  your  present  and 
future  happiness." 

The  following  was  to  a  lady  who  had  been  sick,  but 
was  recovering. 

"  Dear  Mrs.  J.  I  have  thought  often  of  you  since  I 
heard  of  your  being  sick,  and  have  greatly  desired  that  I 
might  hear  that  you  had  found  a  resting  place  on  that 
firm  foundation  which  can  never  be  moved.  What  can 
you  do  without  it,  and  especially  how  will  you  be  able  to 
do  without  it  in  the  great  day  of  trial  ?  It  has  rejoiced 
my  heart  to  hear  that  some  around  you  have  turned  to  the 
Lord — have  given  their  hearts  to  our  Divine  Saviour. 
And  will  not  you  be  of  the  number  ?  O  how  long,  dear 
friend,  has  the  patience  of  God  waited  on  you !  Does 
not  this  thought  affect  your  heart  ?  Can  you  not  come 
to  Christ  for  help,  as  well  as  others  ?  Will  there  ever  be 
a  more  favorable  time  ?  Is  not  this  the  only  time  of 
which  you  are  sure  ?  O  cast  yourself  on  the  sovereign 
mercy  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ,  and  resign  your  all 
to  him.  What  a  mercy  that  Christ  is  willing  to  receive 
us,  poor  and  wretched  as  we  are,  if  we  will  only  come  to 
him  feeling  our  poverty  and  wretchedness. 

"  I  send  you  the  accompanying  tract.  May  you  be 
enabled  to  flee  to  that  Saviour  whom  it  so  clearly  ex- 
hibits." 

To  a  young  relative  in  affliction. 

"  You  know  who  directs  all  things.  You  must  en- 
deavor, dear  H.  to  feel  that  it  is  all,  all  right,  and  must 
bow  submissively  to  all  as  from   a  Father's  chastening 


156  MEMOIR. 

rod,  designed  to  call  off  your  affections  from  earth,  and 
fix  them  on  the  great  salvation.  May  you  be  enabled  to 
say,  in  the  spirit  of  adoption, 

'  Father,  I  bless  thy  gentle  hand, 
How  kind  was  thy  chastising  rod, 
Which  forced  my  conscience  to  a  stand, 
And  brought  my  wandering  soul  to  God.'  " 

To  the  same. 

"  I  hope  you  will  try  not  to  yield  to  despondency,  and 
especially  learn  to  put  your  whole  trust  in  God,  and  sav- 
ingly acquaint  yourself  with  him,  and  be  at  peace.  O 
remember  the  great  worth  of  your  soul,  immortal  as  it  is, 
and  risk  its  welfare  no  longer  by  delay." 

To  another  young  friend  and  relative. 

"  May  I  not  hope,  from  the  few  words  in  your  letter 
expressive  of  your  feelings  under  the  loss  of  your  parents, 
that  you  have  chosen  their  Saviour  to  be  your  Saviour, 
and  everlasting  friend  ?  O  how  much  has  this  been  the 
subject  of  their  prayers  and  their  efforts.  Have  you  not 
felt  it  a  matter  of  deep  regret,  that  you  had  not,  ere  their 
departure,  cheered  their  hearts,  by  giving  yourself  to  the 
service  of  God  ?  But  such  good  news  reaches  heaven  ; 
and  perhaps  they  have  already  sung  new  songs  to  redeem- 
ing love  on  your  account And  now  dear  W.  re- 
main steadfast  in  your  resolution  to  serve  the  Lord.  Never 
go  back  to  earthly  things  as  your  portion.  Instead  of 
this,  '  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.'  Take  up  any  and  every 
cross  which  may  lie  in  your  way,  and  endeavor  to  be  faith- 
ful in  the  service  of  your  God.  Be  faithful  to  your  fellow 
sailors  ;  and,  while  you  set  them  a  good  and  pious  exam." 


MEMOIR.  157 

pie,  speak  to  them  of  a  Saviour,  and  endeavor  to  lead 
them  to  Him.  Be  thankful,  as  you  witness  the  supersti- 
tions of  heathen  countries,  and  of  other  nations  who  have 
embraced  false  religions,  that  you  have  been  born  in  a 
Christian  land,  and  have  a  better  lot.  Pray  much.  Let 
your  heart  often  ascend  to  God,  while  your  hands  are  en- 
gaged in  your  common  avocations.  Every  blessing  at- 
tend you." 

The  following  was  to  a  young  acquaintance  at  a  dis- 
tance, of  whose  hopeful  conversion  she  had  received  in- 
telligence. 

"  My  very  dear  J .     I  can  no  longer   delay  telling 

you  how  much  joy  I  received  from  your  letter  of  last 
Saturday.  It  was,  indeed,  unexpected,  but  not  the  less 
welcome.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  that  he  has  sent  renew- 
ing grace  to  our  fallen  world ;  and  blessed  be  his  name, 
that,  as  we  hope,  it  has  attracted  and  overcome  the  heart 
of  my  dear  J.     I  felt  a  deep  interest  in  your  becoming  a 

Christian,  the  first  time  I  saw  you   in  B ,  which  was 

heightened  whenever  we  had  any  conversation  on  the  sub- 
ject. I  knew  how  many  obstacles  the  Spirit  of  God 
would  probably  find,  guarding  every  avenue  to  your  heart, 
and  it  often  then  and  since  has  brought  a  deep  sigh  from 
my  bosom.  Still  I  knew  that  nothing  could  resist  om- 
nipotent energy  ;  and  I  trusted  that  the  time  was  not  far 
distant  when  He,  who  has  the  power,  would  draw  you, 
with  the  cords  of  sovereign  love,  to  himself.  And  now, 
is  it  indeed  so  ?     What  praise  is  due  ! 

"  Numerous  questions  rush  upon  my  mind,  which  I  long 

to  ask  you ;  and  I  cannot  help  thinking  how  sweet  an  hour's 

conversation  with  you  would  be.  Write  me  again,  and  give 

me  a  fuller  account  of  yourself,  and  tell  me  whether  any  of 

14* 


158 


MEMOIR. 


your  young  friends,  or  others,  are  coming  into  the  king- 
dom with  you.  Dear  J.,  you  must  feel  a  deep  interest 
in  the  salvation  of  others;  it  is  one  of  the  best  marks  of 
discipleship.  If  I  mistake  not,  you  told  me,  in  one 
of  our  interviews,  that  if  you  should  ever  be  a  Christian, 
you  should  wish  to  be  a  decided  one.  Now  this  is  just 
what  your  Saviour  would  have  you  to  be — just  what  the 
church  of  Christ  needs — and,  as  a  very  inferior  motive, 
I  would  say,  just  what  would  delight  my  heart  concerning 
you. 

"  You  say  you  '  have  not  yet  found  that  perfect  peace 
and  confidence  which  you  expected.'  Be  not  discourag- 
ed on  this  account.  As  long  as  the  Bible  is  precious, 
and  prayer  a  source  of  consolation  and  support,  you  have 
an  abiding  evidence  that  the  Lord  is  with  you,  and  you 
with  him.  Be  very  careful  not  to  grieve  that  Spirit,  who, 
in  the  expressive  language  of  another,  is  '  infinitely  deli- 
cate,' withdrawing  speedily  from  the  soul  when  his  in- 
fluences are  not  appreciated  or  desired.  Often  use  that 
petition  of  our  Saviour's  prayer,  '  Lead  me  not  into  temp- 
tation ' — and  be  sure  not  to  place  yourself  where  you  have 
good  reason  to  believe  you  can  do  no  good,  and  may  re- 
ceive much  harm.  While  you  mingle  with  the  world,  be 
careful  to  maintain  the  character  of  a  Christian.  Let 
your  example  ever  speak  for  Christ,  and  your  tongue  also 
on  all  fitting  occasions.  I  can  but  just  touch  on  a  few  of 
your  privileges  and  duties.  My  heart  would  dictate  much 
more.  Indeed,  the  subject  is  endless,  because,  in  its  en- 
tire bearings,  it  is  infinite.  I  have  prayed  much  for  you 
since  the  reception  of  yours,  feeling  how  important  your 
outset  in  the  Christian  life  is,  and  how  much  it  may  affect 
your  whole  Christian  course.  I  again  commend  you  to 
the  love  and  grace  of  our  divine  Saviour.  May  you  ever 
grow  in  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Him  !  " 


MEMOIR.  159 

To  a  near  friend  about  to  make  a  public  profession  of 
religion. 

"  Dec.  15,  1827.  I  saw  Mr. this  week.  He  in- 
formed me  of  your  health,  and  also  that  you  have  been 
propounded  for  admission  to  the  church.  This  has  led 
me  to  very  serious  thoughts,  and  to  some  fervent  petitions 
that  you  may  perform  the  solemn  duty  in  an  under- 
standing and  acceptable  manner.  Do  not  suppose  that  I 
would  deter  you  from  what  I  consider  a  duty  binding  on 
every  real  Christian.  But  it  seemed  a  very  solemn  thing, 
when  I  thus  publicly  separated  myself  from  the  world, 
and  devoted  myself  to  Christ  and  his  cause ;  and  it  ap- 
pears a  great  thing  to  me  to  have  you  do  it.  My  prayers 
will  ascend  daily,  that  you  may  do  it  aright,  and  that  you 
may  have  grace  thenceforth  to  meet  the  responsibilities 
you  will  thus  assume.  Remember  that  hereafter  you 
will  stand  so  identified  with  the  cause  of  truth  and  holi- 
ness, that  sin  in  you  will  be  more  sinful  and  inexcusable 
than  before  ;  that  the  world  will  expect  to  see  a  marked 
difference  between  you  and  them,  and  between  you  and 
your  former  self.  I  hope  that  you  will  seek  for  deeper 
and  deeper  Christian  experience ;  that  you  will  be  sober- 
minded,  be  faithful  in  prayer,  and  watch  against  every 
sin  which  may  easily  beset  you." 


CHAPTER  X. 

A  severe  Sickness  in  1831  —  The  Death  of  her  last  Sister— Her  notices  of 
Revivals  of  Religion  in  1831,  and  subsequently. 

In  the  summer  and  fall  of  1831,  Mrs.  Dimmick  was 
visited  with  a  very  severe  sickness — a  nervous  fever. 
She  apparently  came  near  the  grave.  A  shock  was  given 
to  her  constitution,  from  which  she  never  after  fully  re- 
covered. She  suffered  also  exceedingly.  The  disease 
was  on  the  nerves  of  the  system,  most  intimately  con- 
nected with  the  mind,  and  disqualifying  the  mind  itself  to 
act  with  its  wonted  composure.  Of  this  sickness  she 
herself  says : 

"  Dec.  25,  1831.  My  nerves  have  received  a  most 
violent  shock,  the  remembrance  of  which,  with  the  men- 
tal agony  it  produced,  still  awakens  distress.  Surely 
'  thy  judgments  are  a  great  deep  ! '  Was  this  chastise- 
ment the  necessary  discipline  of  a  Father's  love?  Was 
it  a  direct  answer  to  the  petitions  which  I  had  often 
presented,  to  be  crucified  to  the  world,  and  made  holy 
and  acceptable  to  God  ?  If  so,  I  little  anticipated 
the  process  necessary  to  the  accomplishment  of  the 
result.     How   does  it   become  me  to   inquire,   whether 


MEMOIR.  161 

I  have  secured  the  blessing.  That  I  have  had  many 
and  very  serious  views  of  life,  death,  time,  and  eter- 
nity ;  of  Christians,  of  sinners,  and  of  duty,  I  am  sure. 
A  tide  of  thought,  and  of  most  serious  thought,  has 
been  constantly  flowing  through  my  mind,  and  has  given 
greater  familiarity  to  the  awful  subjects  contemplated. 
Yet,  apprehending,  as  I  did,  my  liability  to  be  called 
shortly  into  the  presence  of  God,  and  to  enter  on  a  new 
state  of  existence,  I  felt  a  shrinking  and  reluctance.  I 
longed  for  the  rest  which  I  felt  certain  that  entire  sub- 
mission to  God  would  give,  but  I  found  it  not.  I  feared 
that  I  should  dishonor  religion.  Yet  my  views  of  the 
character  and  government  of  God,  as  perfect,  remained 
the  same.  The  gospel  of  Christ  appeared  the  same 
scheme  of  infinite  mercy  to  a  fallen  world.  Our  need  of 
it  appeared  as  great  as  before,  perhaps  greater — certainly 
when  applied  to  myself.  The  church  of  Christ  appeared 
as  necessary  in  its  influence  on  its  members,  and  on  the 
world,  as  ever,  and  the  various  ways  of  promoting  its  in- 
terests, and  the  salvation  of  lost  men,  matters  of  as  high 
and  interesting  regard,  as  when  I  was  actively  engaged 
in  duties  of  this  description.  Was  it  the  state  of  my 
nerves,  with  the  delicate  and  unknown  connection  they 
have  with  mind,  that  produced  the  mental  darkness  I  felt  ? 
My  friends  have  told  me  so.  And  I  think  I  may  hope 
and  believe  that  such  was  the  case.  But  oh  the  suffer- 
ings that  have  been  endured !  May  God  enable  me  to 
make  a  right  use  of  this  sickness — to  consecrate  the  re- 
mainder of  life  to  Him,  in  whatever  way  his  providence 
shall  direct,  and  to  be  fully  prepared  for  all  his  will  in 
future.     Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  his  goodness  !  " 

Under  another  date,  a  little  earlier,  the  subject  is  also, 

more  succinctly,  mentioned. 

# 


162  MEMOIR. 

"  Nov.  3,  1831.  I  have,  during  my  illness,  when  at 
its  height,  had  serious  views  of  eternity,  and  pondered 
deeply  what  it  would  be  to  leave  all  that  is  earthly,  and 
enter  on  the  untried  scenes  of  that  state.  I  felt  that  I 
had  not  lived  as  an  immortal  being  with  such  prospects 
before  him  ought  to  live.  I  felt  unprepared  for  events  of 
such  overwhelming  consequence.  I  desired  to  live,  that 
I  might  redeem  the  time,  and  lay  a  better  foundation — or 
rather,  get  my  interest  on  the  sure  foundation,  the  rock 
Christ,  more  firmly  settled,  so  that  1  might  honor  him  on 
a  sick  bed,  and  triumph  in  death.  The  Lord  has  spared 
me ;  and  may  it  be  to  serve  him  more  faithfully  while  I 
tabernacle  here,  and  so  prepare  for  a  happy  exit,  and 
what  lies  beyond.  I  am  fully  convinced  that  Christians 
generally  do  not  live  for  eternity — with  that  world  in 
view — as  they  ought.  '  O  that  they  also,  (as  well  as  the 
unthinking  and  careless,)  were  wise ;  that  they  under- 
stood this  ;  that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end  ! '  " 

This  incident  in  Mrs.  Dimmick's  life,  is  given  for  its 
illustration  of  an  important  principle.  The  doctrine  of 
submission,  or  resignation  to  the  will  of  God,  is  some- 
times pressed  so  far  as  to  allow  nothing  to  a  diseased  ner- 
vous system.  The  moral  in  man  must,  indeed,  always 
be  submissive  to  God — resigned  to  his  will.  But  an  agi- 
tated physical  frame  is  not  a  subject  of  moral  law,  and 
the  mind,  partaking  of  the  agitation,  is  sometimes  unable 
to  exercise  entire  self-control.  It  was  a  remark  of  Mrs. 
Dimmick  herself,  that  sometimes  too  much  is  required  of 
the  Christian,  in  this  respect,  when  passing  through 
scenes  of  sickness  and  trials.  Some  natures,  indeed,  are 
all  quiescent.  Some  diseases  stupify.  And  these  things 
are  mistaken,  sometimes  for  submission.  God  detects  the 
deficiency,  or  the  spurious,  under  these  appearances,  and 


MEMOIR.  163 

sees  also  the  real,  the  genuine,  where  it  exists,  even 
amidst  many  struggles  and  physical  agitations. 

In  July,  1833,  Mrs.  Dimmick  was  called  to  part  with 
her  only  remaining  sister,  Mrs.  Penelope  J.  M.  Pearson, 
wife  of  Capt.  John  Smith  Pearson,  of  Newburyport. 
This  was  a  deep  affliction. 

"  I  tremble,"  she  said,  shortly  after,  "  at  recording  the 
desolation  which  has  visited  me.  Yes,  I  have  been  called 
to  part  with  my  dear,  only  remaining,  and  well-beloved 
sister.  The  grave  has  closed  suddenly  over  her  noble 
and  commanding  form,  and  that  heart,  so  full  of  tender 
sensibility  and  warm  affection,  has  ceased  to  beat  forever. 
We  passed  the  last  evening  of  her  health  together,  and 
the  recollection  of  it  is  full  of  tenderness.  The  light  of 
the  morning  showed  her  prostrate  on  the  bed,  which,  in 
four  short  days,  became  the  bed  of  death.  She  retained 
her  reason  as  long  as  consciousness  continued,  and  her 
spirit  was  sweet,  peaceful,  resigned.  Rarely  have  I  seen 
one  more  uniformly  calm  and  submissive — so  affectionate, 
so  grateful,  so  humble.  Her  words  and  her  spirit  were, 
*  Father,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done.' 

»  Sweet  to  lie  passive  in  his  hand, 
And  know  no  will  hut  his.' 

I  witnessed  her  last  sighings,  and  saw  her  gently  releas- 
ed by  the  angel  of  death.  My  spirit  was  calm  at  the 
moment.  I  acquiesced  in  my  Father's  will.  I  thought 
of  her  as  mounting  to  the  throne,  and  could  not  but  feel, 
with  no  common  emotion, 

*  O  the  sweet  wonders  of  the  scene, 
Which  rush  upon  her  sight  I * 


164  MEMOIR. 

But  oh  the  thought  returns  again  and  again,  she  is  gone, 
— gone  from  earth  forever  !  How  dream-like  !  How 
astonishing  to  herself  has  been  an  opening  heaven  with 
its  mighty  scenes!  And  have  my  departed  sisters,  who 
on  earth  were  as  one,  already  met  and  recognised  each 
other  on  the  everlasting  plains  ?  Methinks  they  have, 
and  I  feel  a  sacred  satisfaction  in  the  thought.  I  can  go 
further,  and  admit  the  possibility  that  they  are  now  sym- 
pathising with  their  lonely  sorrowing  sister,  still  an  in- 
habitant of  earth. 

"  This  is  in  some  respects  the  keenest  sorrow  I  have 
ever  felt.  This  the  greatest  loss  I  have  ever  sustained. 
O  how  dear  was  this  very  dear  sister !  I  know  it  is  my 
duty  to  repress,  rather  than  cherish  that  keen  sensibility 
which  frequently  asks  indulgence,  and  is  sometimes  too 
imperative  to  take  a  denial.  I  can  hardly  express  how 
intimate  we  were  with  each  other ;  how  much  we  de- 
pended on  each  other's  counsel  and  aid  in  every  question, 
and  on  all  occasions  ;  how  entirely  confidential  in  all  our 
intercourse,  so  that  we  never  considered  a  thing  as  fairly 
enjoyed,  till  we  had  enjoyed  it  together  ;  or  if  something 
of  a  painful  nature  had  occurred,  our  pain  was  not  re- 
moved till  soothed  by  the  other's  sympathy.  Yet,  in  the 
language  of  inspired  truth,  'I  am  dumb,  I  open  not  my 
mouth  ;  because  thou  hast  done  it.'  '  The  Lord  is  right- 
eous in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his  works.'  " 

Her  letters  also  speak  on  this  subject. 

"  July  22,  1833.  I  am  conscious  that  I  leaned  on  this 
dear  sister  very  much.  It  is  pleasant  to  reflect  how  much 
we  loved  each  other,  and  how  uninterrupted  our  sisterly 
affection  has  been.  I  cannot  hope  that  her  place  can 
ever  be  filled  to  me  in  this  world.     May  you  and  I  find  it 


MEMOIR.  165 

specially  blessed  to  us,  in  making  us  look  less  to  earth, 
and  more  to  heaven  !  I  have  at  times  been  distressed 
with  the  thought,  that  this  providence  might  pass  away 
without  sanctification  to  us,  and  to  the  church,  of  which 
she  was  a  consistent  member." 

"  Sept.  9.  There  is  a  melancholy  pleasure  in  mourn- 
ing her  loss.  I  cannot  be  willing  to  shake  off  the  recol- 
lections, which,  if  indulged,  are  sure  to  bring  tears  to 
my  eyes,  and  anguish  to  my  heart.  Yet  I  often  think 
that  I  ought  to  rejoice  in  her  departure,  since  I  have  the 
hope  that  it  is  her  gain.  And  I  am  sometimes  enabled 
so  to  do.  I  do  believe  that  God  has  done  it  in  wisdom, 
and  that  it  is  for  the  best." 

"  Feb.  23,  1835.  Dear  Brother,  ....  I  cannot  forget 
that  this  day  is  the  anniversary  of  our  dear  sister  Susan's 
death,  reckoning  by  the  day  of  the  week.  You  will  not 
forget  the  parting  scene  between  yourself  and  her.  Few 
scenes  through  which  I  have  passed  in  life,  are  more 
vividly  impressed  on  my  mind,  than  that.  There  was  a 
tenderness  and  sublimity  about  it,  which  might  well  have 
employed  the  painter's  skill  to  preserve  it  from  oblivion, 
and  which,  I  am  confident,  will  never  be  obliterated 
from  our  memory. 

"  I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  have  thought  of  both 
our  beloved  sisters  during  the  last  six  weeks,  or  the 
many  tears  I  have  shed  as  I  have  recalled  them  in  various 
ways  to  my  mind.  You  will  say  I  ought  not  to  dwell  too 
much  on  these  subjects.  I  know  1  ought  not  to  dwell  on 
them  too  much.  And  I  think  I  do  not.  The  general 
error,  it  appears  to  me,  is  not,  that  the  living  think  too 
much  of  their  departed  friends,  but  too  little.  Of  this  I 
am  certain,  though  there  are  exceptions,  as  there  are  to 


166  MEMOIR. 

all  general  rules.  I  will  say  of  them,  as  Rev.  John  New- 
ton said  of  his  departed  companion,  '  I  hope  that  while  I 
can  recollect  where  they  sat,  how  they  looked,  and  what 
they  said,  without  hindering  my  business,  hurting  my 
spirits,  or  raising  a  murmuring  thought  against  the  will 
of  God,  it  will  not  be  my  duty  to  forget  them.' " 

"  July  23.  Since  I  last  wrote  you,  the  mournful 
anniversary  of  our  dear  sister  P.'s  sickness  and  death  has 
occurred.  This  I  observed  with  a  multitude  of  thoughts 
and  feelings,  which  I  cannot  describe.  Two  full  years, 
according  to  the  computation  of  earth,  she  has  now  been 
in  eternity.  But  we  cannot  grasp  a  subject  so  high,  with 
any  adequate  conception  of  what  is  involved  in  it.  What 
a  lesson  was  her  sudden  departure !  I  can  never  forget 
it.  I  would  not,  if  I  could.  Let  us  prepare  to  follow 
her." 

"  Aug.  10.  I  hope  I  do  not  allude  to  her  too  often  for 
your  happiness.  I  certainly  do  not  for  my  own,  though 
almost  every  remembrance  is  accompanied  with  a  tear. 
She  was  possessed  of  uncommonly  fine  sensibilities. 
This  was  among  the  most  prominent  and  pleasing  traits 
of  her  character. 

"  I  love  to  think  of  each  of  these  dear  ones,  as  having 
attained  what  the  poet  has  sung : 

*  Thou  art  gone  to  thy  home  in  the  land  of  the  blest, 
Where  sighing  shall  cease,  where  the  weary  shall  rest ; 
Thy  cares  are  all  ended,  thy  toils  are  all  o'er, 

Thou  shalt  sin,  thou  shalt  suffer,  and  sorrow  no  more ! 

*  But  we,  in  our  mourning,  still  long  for  that  ray 

That  gleamed  through  our  darkness,  that  gladdened  our  way; 
Bright  star,  how  we  loved  thee  !  thy  kind  ray  is  o'er ; 
O  blest  one  !  0  dear  one,  thou  'It  cheer  us  no  more  ! 


MEMOIR.  167 

Thy  smile  is  departed,  thy  warm  grasp  is  gone, 
Thy"flowers  are  all  withered,  and  cold  thy  hearth-stone, 
Thy  home  is  deserted,  thy  welcome  is  o'er, 
Thy  voice  we  shall  hear,  thy  smile  see  no  more  ! 

But  0  that  bright  home  of  the  good  and  the  blest ! 
We  are  bound  to  its  bourn,  we  are  seeking  its  rest ; 
Thou  waitest  our  coming  upon  its  fair  shore, 
We  follow, — to  meet  thee,— and  lose  thee  no  more  ! '  " 


It  is  apparent  from  what  has  been  brought  to  view  in 
the  preceding  chapters,  that  Mrs.  Dimmick  lived  for  the 
church  of  Christ.  It  will  not  be  surprising,  therefore,  to 
find  her  entering  deeply  into  scenes  by  which  the  pros- 
perity of  the  church  was  promoted,  and  greatly  rejoicing 
in  them. 

The  year  1831  will  long  be  remembered  as  a  year  of 
good  things  to  Zion.  Mrs.  Dimmick  mentions  the  bright- 
ening prospect  in  the  circle  of  her  own  observation  as 
follows.  "  Our  heavy  night  began  to  give  way  to  some 
feeble  glimmerings  of  approaching  day  at  the  College 
Fast  in  February.  Good  tidings  reached  us  of  one  or 
two  young  men,  children  of  the  church,  at  a  distant  lite- 
rary institution.  Some  special  means,  afterwards  resort- 
ed to,  were  crowned  with  a  blessing,  and  we  may  now  be 
said  to  be  enjoying  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord  in  no  ordinary  degree I  feel 

very  unworthy  to  be  permitted  to  witness  this  work,  and 
especially  to  have  any  share  in  labors  to  bring  souls  to 
Christ.  Oh  to  have  my  dross  taken  away,  and  to  be  puri- 
fied as  silver  for  the  Master's  use  !  " 

It  may  be  proper  to  dispose  in  order,   some  passages 


J  60*  MEMOIR. 

from  Mrs.  Dimmick's  letters  and  journal,  relating  to  this 
success  of  the  Gospel  in  the  community  in  which  she  re- 
sided, especially  as  she  took  so  lively  an  interest  in  it,  was 
incessant  in  her  prayers  for  it,  and  in  labors  in  all  appro- 
priate ways.  We  have  seen  the  casual  notices  which 
she  has  given  of  additions  to  the  church  in  earlier  years. 
At  this  time,  and  for  a  few  succeeding  years,  scenes  of 
deeper  interest  occurred  than  had  been  witnessed  before. 
She  speaks  of  herself  frequently,  yet  only  with  a  view  to 
present  the  subject  for  consideration. 

"  April  18,  1831.  The  morning  after  you  left  us,  not- 
withstanding the  dampness  of  the  weather,  I  arose  early 
and  attended  the  morning  prayer  meeting.  On  Friday 
our  church  held  a  Fast.  In  the  morning  we  were  togeth- 
er as  a  church,  and  renewed  our  covenant.  In  the  after* 
noon  we  had  a  public  meeting.  This  morning  I  was  out 
again  to  the  prayer  meeting.  Yesterday  (Sabbath)  the 
six  persons  propounded  previously,  and  examined  on  Fri- 
day, were  admitted  to  the  church.  I  think  some  who 
have  been  halting  a  long  time,  begin  to  be  quickened. 
One  connected  with  the  Bible  class  in  the  Sabbath  school, 
expressed  a  hope  to  me  yesterday.  I  have  heard  of  one 
or  two  other  conversions  in  town." 

"  July  10.  Mr. ~  has  told  you  what  a  solemn  Sab- 
bath we  had  immediately  succeeding  our  protracted  meet- 
ing. No  Sabbath  since  we  have  been  here  was  ever  fol- 
lowed with  so  powerful  and  immediate  effects.  Since  that 
time,  great  things  have  been  done,  whereof  we  are  glad. 
The  last  week  has  been  a  week  of  special  interest.  Seve- 
ral of  our  enterprising  men  of  business  have  yielded  to 
the  power  of  the  truth  and  the  influences  of  the  Spirit, 
as  well  as  a  number  of  interesting  females.     A  solemnity 


MEMOIR.  161 

pervades  our  streets  and  our  houses ;  opposition  retires 
into  its  secret  corners,  as  if  afraid  or  ashamed  to  show  it- 
self.    We  ask  an  interest  in  your  prayers." 

"  July  22.  Never,  probably,  was  there  so  interesting 
a  time  in  this  town  before.  It  is  very  unlike  the  revi- 
val in  this  place  thirty  years  ago,  the  aged  Christians 
testify.  There  has  been  a  gradual  but  steady  pro- 
gress ever  since  its  commencement,  and  at  no  moment 
has  the  work  appeared  of  greater  interest,  or  brighter 
promise,  than  at  present.  In  addition  to  the  conversions 
which  are  of  daily  occurrence,  there  seems  to  be  a  work 
of  preparation  going  on  in  the  minds  of  a  large  and 
highly  respectable  part  of  the  community,  which  leads 
the  observing  and  prayerful  to  expect  still  further  and 
greater  results.  The  work  is  of  that  calm,  deep,  solemn 
character,  which  checks  the  sneers  of  skeptics,  and 
makes  many  of  them  pause,  and  query  whether  this  be 
not  the  power  of  God  ?  The  eyes  of  Christians  are  very 
much  towards  the  Lord.  Religion  is  the  general  topic  of 
conversation  in  all  places  of  resort.  The  way  to  the 
Saviour  seems  greatly  shortened,  and  faith  says,  Make 
haste  with  thy  salvation,  O  God.  I  should  like  to  write 
you  much  more,  but  our  house  is  a  house  of  inquiry  from 
morning  to  evening  ;  i.  e.  all  are  free  to  call  at  any  hour 
for  religious  conversation,  and  many  daily  resort  to  us. 
We  feel  it  to  be  eminently  a  '  harvest  time.' " 

"  Aug.  16.  It  is  most  delightful  to  witness  '  the  grow- 
ing empire  of  our  King  '  in  this  region,  which  has  so  long 
yielded  but  few  accessions,  comparatively,  to  Zion's 
ranks.  We  spent  Thursday  at  B.,  where,  at  the  close  of 
the  afternoon  sermon,  invitation  being  given  for  any  to 
stay  who  were  desirous  of  an  interest  in  Christ,  upwarda 


162  MEMOIR. 

of  one  hundred  took  their  seats,  and  much  deep  feeling 
was  apparent.  We  left  on  Friday  morning,  and  went  to 
R.  At  noon,  after  a  sermon,  an  invitation  being  given 
for  those  who  desired,  to  remain  to  be  conversed  with, 
full  one  hundred  and  fifty  stayed,  and  I  have  never  wit- 
nessed more  feeling  on  any  similar  occasion.  The  pro- 
portion of  mm  in  both  places  was   considerable,  but   the 

greatest  in  the  latter The  revival  with  us  goes 

on  in  a  very  encouraging  manner.  New  instances  of 
awakening  and  conversion  occur  daily." 

"  Sept.  2.  Our  last  Sabbath  inquiry  meeting  was 
encouraging,  as  we  found  six  or  seven  new  cases  of  hope- 
ful conversion,  and  some  of  recent  impression.  Twelve 
were  also  propounded  for  admission  to  our  church,  nine 
of  whom  are  men,  heads  of  families.  A  meeting  was 
held  last  evening  for  those  who  entertain  hope  that  they 
have  recently  found  an  interest  in  Christ.  Seventy-five 
were  present,  though  not  all  who  appear  well  in  a  judg- 
ment of  charity.  A  meeting  is  held  once  a-  week  for  men 
exclusively.  On  Monday  evening  last,  there  were  present 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  considerable  interest 
was  manifested. 

"  There  is  an  interesting  revival  at  N.  (Factory  Vil- 
lage,) which  I  understand  commenced  from  one  of  the 
deacons  there  being  at  our  four  days'  meeting.  He  was 
greatly  quickened,  went  home,  commenced  a  morning 
prayer  meeting  the  next  morning,  (they  having  no  pastor 
at  the  time,)  told  what  he  had  witnessed  here,  and  was 
thus  the  means  of  quickening  the  church,  and  leading  to 
the  results  which  have  followed.  So  God  uses  his  work 
in  one  place,  to  promote  it  in  another." 

"  Dec.  3.     This  morning's  mail  brought  us  the  painful 


VUKT/EE5IT" 

MEMOIR.  163 

intelligence  of  the  death  of  our  beloved  friend  Mr.  Amos 

Pettingel,  tutor  in  Yale  College In  reference  to 

this  providence  we  feel  constrained  to  say,  *  Thy  path  is 
in  the  great  waters,  and  thy  footsteps  are  not  known.' 
That  God  does  all  things  well,  is  a  point  of  our  faith. 
But  why  he  does  many  things  is  a  deep  mystery.  How 
valiant  has  been  the  career  of  our  young  friend,  since  he 
was  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  in  February  last. 
No  doubt  can  be  felt  that  he  is  now  enjoying  the  presence 
of  Christ  in  glory.  His  Christian  character  was  too 
strongly  marked,  to  have  been  otherwise  than  real.  His 
difference  from  his  former  self  was  too  great,  to  allow 
that  the  change  was  other  than  that  wrought  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Blessed  be  God  for  this  exhibition  of  his  almighty 
power  and  efficacious  grace.  The  remembrance  of  it, 
and  of  the  blessed  fruits  it  produced,  will  long  be 
cherished  by  very  many  who  were  warmed  and  quickened 
by  his  eloquence  and  devotion." 

14  Sept.  27,  1832.  We  have  had  two  or  three  interest- 
ing conversions  since  I  last  wrote,  also  an  addition  of  five 
to  the  church." 

"  June  18,  1833.  A  gradual  work  has  been  going  on 
in  our  parish  for  several  weeks  past.     We  are  hoping  it 

will  increase O  the  wonders  of  divine  grace  at 

the  present  day  !  How  glad  our  hearts  are  made  in 
respect  to  Zion." 

"  Dec.  17.  Our  inquiry  meeting  on  Thursday  evening 
was  one  of  the  most  interesting  I  ever  attended.  About 
sixty  were  present.  A  number  were  rejoicing  in  the 
hope  that  they  had  found  the  Saviour ;  others  were  deeply 
awakened ;  and  several  who  had  previously  indulged  some 


164  M  £  M  O  I  It  . 

hope,  now  saw  clearer  light,  and  had  resolved,  as  they 
had  not  done  before,  on  new  obedience.  As  many  as 
twenty  have  already  expressed  hope  in  Christ,  with  great- 
er or  less  degrees  of  clearness,  and  a  number  of  others 
are  asking  the  way  to  Zion  with  their  faces  thitherward. 
Christians  are  invigorated,  and  the  savor  is  so  sweet  on 
their  spirits,  that,  instead  of  being  tired,  they  are  fresh  to 
engage  in  further  services  for  their  Redeemer." 

"  May  3,  1834.  We  are  to  have  between  thirty  and 
forty  propounded  to-morrow  for  admission  to  our  church, 

as  a  kind  of  first  fruits  of  the  late  revival We  have 

had  no  new  cases  of  conversion,  that  I  know  of,  for  the 
last  two  or  three  weeks.  Our  work  is  now  mostly  that  of 
establishing  the  young  converts,  and  bringing  them  into 
the  church.  And  this  is  a  great  work,  and  one  of  mo- 
mentous responsibility." 

"  Sept.  30,  1836.  We  have  had  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer  in  our  church  this  week.  There  appeared  to  be 
much  good  feeling,  and  we  hope  it  will  prove  a  means  of 
quickening  us  all  in  the  spiritual  life,  and  that  we  shall 
be  prepared  as  a  church  and  people  for  greater  blessings." 

"  March  10,  1838.  We  are  now  enjoying  a  little  re- 
viving in  religion,  but  not  so  extensive  as  is  desirable. 
There  have  been  some  interesting  conversions  in  almost 
every  evangelical  congregation  in  town,  and  there  are  a 
number  now  seriously  inquiring,  who  cannot  yet  be 
reckoned  as  genuine  disciples.  I  hope  you  feel  a  portion 
of  that  heavenly  influence,  which  is  moving  over  your 
city.  How  grateful  ought  we  to  be,  that  so  much  of  the 
reviving  spirit  is  at  present  enjoyed  in  our  land." 


MEMOIR.  165 

"  Feb.  4,  1839.  We  feel  encouraged  in  regard  to  the 
state  of  religion  in  our  town.  Christians  are  quickened, 
and  a  few  conversions  of  an  interesting  character  have 
recently  taken  place." 

"  March  13.  We  are  still  favored  with  an  unusual 
attention  to  the  subject  of  religion,  and  of  course  have  an 
abundance  to  do,  of  the  best  kind  of  work.  We  have 
religious  services  in  the  chapel  the  first  four  evenings  of 
each  week,  and  have  had  generally  very  interesting 
meetings. 

"How  sweet  is  the  service  of  Christ;  yea,  sweeter  than 
honey  and  the  honey-comb  !  And  if  we  thus  judge  in 
this  imperfect  state,  with  so  many  sins  about  us,  what 
shall  we  think  of  the  service  of  heaven,  if  we  ever  attain 
that  happy  state  1  May  grace  keep  us,  extend  its 
triumphs,  and  prepare  our  race  for  a  blessed  immortality." 


15 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Family  Letters — Letters  to  other  Friends. 

The  letters,  from  which  the  following  passages  are  taken 
were  addressed  to  her  brother,  or  brother  and  sister  conjoin- 
ed. Along  with  the  manifestation  of  warm  sisterly  feeling, 
they  show  a  predominance  of  spiritual  views,  and  may  be 
read  as  a  specimen  of  desirable  family  correspondence. 
They  exhibit  acquaintance  with  the  human  heart,  and  a 
quick  perception  of  the  dangers  to  which  the  Christian  is 
exposed  in  the  world,  as  well  as  of  the  duties  devolving 
on  him. 

"  July  12,  1828.  How  easy  it  is  to  wander  from  God, 
and  to  lose  the  vision  of  spiritual  objects.  How  easy 
to  nourish  indolence  and  all  the  evil  propensities  of  an 
unbelieving  heart.  How  easy  to  grow  cold  and  negli- 
gent in  duty.  It  is  only  to  let  ourselves  alone,  and  re- 
main in  a  careless  indecision,  and  it  is  done.  If  then 
we  would  have  true  elevation  of  Christian  character,  if 
we  would  have  clear  evidence  of  our  adoption  into  the 
spiritual  family,  if  we  would  have  that  hope  which  is  as 
an  anchor  to  the  soul,  in  life  and  in  death;  we  must  take 
care  of  our  hearts  daily ;  we  must  be  watchful  in  little 
things,  as  well  as  in  great  ones.     Little  things  make  up 


MEMOIR.  167 

the  larger  part  of  our  lives,  and   affect  proportionally  the 
formation  of  our  character." 

"  Jan.  18,  1829.  Let  this  year  be  a  year  of  watchful- 
ness over  our  hearts,  as  well  as  over  our  outward  conduct: 
Let  us  be  more  humble,  more  amiable,  more  forgiving, 
more  pitiful,  more  prayerful.  Let  us  find  out  more  of  the 
true  secret  of  living  by  faith,  and  letting  our  light  shine 
before  the  world.  Let  us  not  be  fearful  of  appearing  sin- 
gular in  our  attachment  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  We 
ought  to  glory  in  the  cross.  O  let  us  seek  after  more 
heart-work.  God  will  help  us,  and  we  shall  find  out  the 
meaning  of  that  blessed  text,  '  The  secret  of  the  Lord  is 
with  them  that  fear  him.'  " 

"  Feb.  22,  1830.  It  is  a  course  of  every-day  watchful- 
ness, and  prayerfulness,  and  duty,  that  will  mould  us  into 
the  divine  image ;  and  when  this  is  attained,  happiness 
and  glory  will  succeed." 

"  May  12.  When  we  get  a  view  of  our  Saviour 
and  his  wonderful  love,  manifested  in  the  unparalleled 
sufferings  of  the  garden  and  the  cross,  oh  how  desirable 
is  it  to  keep  that  view — to  be  influenced  by  it  in  our  daily 
deportment.  This  would  be  living  above  the  world ;  this 
would  be  living  by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God.  How  little 
holiness  is  there  in  Christians.  Will  not  many  fail  at  last 
of  entering  heaven,  whose  profession  is  quite  credible  to 
a  cursory  observer  1  There  is  to  me  hardly  another  con- 
sideration of  so  startling  a  nature  as  this  ;  I  often  tremble 
before  it." 

"  Jan.  11,  1832.  Accept  my  best  wishes  at  the  open- 
ing of  a  new  year.     May  this,  indeed,  be  among  the  hap- 


168  MEMOIR. 

piest  you  have  ever  spent ;  and  may  it  likewise  be  one  of 
increased  usefulness  and  devotedness  to  our  Saviour's 
cause. 

"  The  death  of  Mr.  Mitchell,  [her  former  pastor  at  Nor- 
wich,] was  very  unexpected  to  us.  We  feel  it  much. 
How  many  ministers  are  cut  off  before  they  attain  to  full 
age.  I  often  think,  what  are  now  their  employments,  that 
they  should  be  thus  early  snatched  away  from  usefulness 
in  this  world,  where  there  is  so  much  to  be  done.  The 
only  relief  from  such  perplexing  considerations  is  in  the 
fact,  that  He  who  surveys  alike  the  invisible  and  the  visi- 
ble, sees  it  fitting.  What  a  clearing  up  of  mysteries  will 
there  be  in  heaven." 

"  March  28.  [To  Miss  C,  shortly  to  be  married 
to  her  brother.]  My  dear  Miss  C.  The  anticipated 
connection  between  yourself  and  my  beloved  brother 
which  is  so  near  its  consummation,  makes  me  feel  it 
proper  to  address  to  you  a  few  lines.  We  have  doubtless 
felt  an  interest  in  each  other  already  through  a  com- 
mon medium.  We  are  now  hoping  soon  to  have  super- 
added that  personal  acquaintance  which  will  cement  our 
regard  and  perpetuate  it.  It  would  give  my  sister  and 
myself,  with  our  husbands,  no  common  satisfaction  to  be  at 
N.  B.  on  the  evening  of  the  third  of  April ;  but  various 
circumstances  prevent;  chiefly,  the  distance,  and  the 
earliness  of  the  season,  which  makes  travelling  less  pleas- 
ant. 

"  Although  not  present,  be  assured  we  shall  feel  a  very 
lively  interest  in  the  transactions  of  the  occasion ;  not 
merely  in  their  relation  to  the  hour  in  which  they  tran- 
spire, but  principally,  as  they  relate  to  the  future  life  of 
both  yourself  and  our  dear  brother,  and  to  the  things  of 
another  world.     In  this  view,  how  important  is  the  step 


MEMOIR.  169 

now  to  be  taken.  May  it  result  in  the  happiness  and  use- 
fulness of  each,  and  be  for  the  honor  of  God.  We  de- 
light to  think  that  you  are  interested  in  the  same  great 
objects  which  we  hope  take  deepest  hold  of  our  hearts — 
that  both  you  and  we  have  embraced  the  same  Saviour — 
feel  ourselves  pledged  to  the  same  cause,  and  are  living 
for  the  same  heaven.  This,  surely,  will  lay  a  solid  foun- 
dation for  our  loving  each  other.  May  our  affection  be 
strong,  and  never  know  abatement." 

"  Sept.  27.  Dear  brother  and  sister, — We  are  happy 
to  learn  by  your  letter  of  this  week,  that  you  are  quietly 
settled  in  your  own  house.  I  trust  you  have  dedicated 
yourselves  anew  to  the  Lord,  and  besought  his  continual 
presence  and  blessing  on  the  abode  which  you  have  en- 
tered. I  cannot  conceal  from  you,  how  anxious  I  am 
that  you  should  be  eminently  devoted  to  God  our  Saviour, 
in  your  hearts,  and  in  your  lives.  '  Seek  first  the  king- 
dom   of  God   and   his  righteousness,  and  all  (necessary) 

things   shall    be    added    unto   you.' May   your 

house  be  a  house  of  prayer,  and  of  consulting  the  word 
of  God,  of  frequent  serious  and  holy  meditation,  and  of 
that  Christian  cheerfulness,  which,  combined  with  other 
excellencies,  commends  religion  to  beholders." 

"Jan.  1,  1833.  My  dear  brother,— Your  letter  of  yes- 
terday brought  the  very  pleasing  tidings  of  the  birth  of  a 
son.  We  all  congratulate  you  and  our  dear  sister  on 
the  reception  of  so  precious  a  gift.  What  can  you  render 
to  God  for  his  goodness  towards  you  ?  May  you  both 
make  a  new  and  entire  consecration  of  yourselves  to  Him, 
and  present  the  little  one  also  to  be  his,  now  and  forever. 
We,  too,  have  known  the  satisfaction  of  embracing  a  son, 
and  of  consecrating  him  to  the  Lord,  and  believe  that  He 
15* 


170 


MEMOIR. 


accepted  our  offering,  removing  it  immediately  to  his 
presence May  you  have  the  happiness  of  watch- 
ing over  the  infancy,  and  training  up  to  manhood  this 
dear  child,  and  see  it  expanding  in  intellect,  and  develop- 
ing such  moral  qualities  as  shall  delight  your  hearts. 
May  he  emphatically  be  a  blessing  to  his  parents,  the 
church,  and  the  world.  This  will  secure  the  grand  result, 
eternal  blessedness. 

"  Perhaps  it  will  be  a  satisfaction  to  you  to  know,  that  I 
shall  often  commend  this  little  one  to  the  Saviour.  I  early 
hastened  to  a  throne  of  grace  in  thanksgiving  and  suppli- 
cation, when  I  heard  it  had  entered  this  world  of  proba- 
tion ;  and  it  will  continue  to  occupy  a  place  among  those 
for  whom  I  present  daily  petitions.  The  inheritance  of 
grace  I  know  you  will  esteem  for  it  above  '  thousands  of 
gold  and  silver.' 

"May  this  be  a  '  Happy  New  Year'  to  us  all.  Let  us 
try  to  do  more  for  God  this  year,  than  ever  before.  How 
often  our  resolutions  need  to  be  renewed." 

"Nov.  14.  It  is  a  great  thing  so  to  live,  as  that  we 
may  have  a  reasonable  prospect  of  going  to  heaven.  It 
ought  to  make  us  tremble,  to  see  so  many  at  this  time, 
who  enjoy  the  privilege  of  being  members  of  Christ's 
visible  church,  but  who  have  seemingly  only  a  name  to 
live ;  who  are  engrossed  with  their  daily  round  of  cares, 
and  spend  little  time  in  prayer,  and  feel  little  for  the  sal- 
vation of  their  fellow-men,  or  for  the  progress  of  Christ's 
kingdom." 

"  Sept.  14,  1834.  Your  letter  has  been  received,  con- 
taining the  news  of  the  birth  of  a  daughter Ac- 
cept our  warm  congratulations  on  the  joyous  event.  My 
prayer  will  be,  that  you  may  train  this  child  for  God,  that 


MEMOIR.  171 

his  grace  may  be  upon  it,  and  that  it  may  be  a  blessing  to 
you,  and  to  the  church  of  Christ.  Then  it  will  itself  be 
blessed  forever. 

"  We  have  been  favored  with   a  visit  from  Drs.  Reed 

and  Matheson, — dined  with  them  at  Mr.  B 's.     They 

appeared  delighted  with  finding  themselves  so  surrounded 
with  what  reminded  them  of  England.  The  house,  they 
said,  (ancient  and  venerable,)  was  built  in  English  style. 
The  garden  and  grounds  around  were  more  like  England 
than  any  thing  they  had  met  before.  After  dinner,  we 
visited  the  Federal  Street  church,  to  look  at  Whitfield's 
Monument,  and  descended  into  the  vault  beneath  the  pul- 
pit to  view  the  existing  remains  of  this  favored  servant  of 
God,  which  have  now  reposed  there  in  solemn  stillness 
sixty-four  years.  The  clergymen  of  the  place  being  pres- 
ent, and  numbers  of  the  people  having  collected,  religious 
exercises  closed  the  scene.  Short  and  sweet  has  been 
the  visit  of  these  friends." 

"  March  30,  1835.  I  am  much  pleased  with  the  '  Book 
for  Parents.'  The  subject  is  important,  and  needs  to  be 
studied.  We  received,  a  few  days  since,  from  the  pub- 
lisher, '  Daily  Duties,'  letters  addressed  to  a  clergyman's 
wife.  By  Mrs.  Adams.  I  have  been  writing  a  notice  of 
it  for  our  paper." 

"  May  13.  It  has  been  very  trying  to  be  sick  under 
existing  circumstances,  [arrested  by  sickness  on  a  jour- 
ney ;]  but  I  have  endeavored  to  receive  this  providential 
appointment  as  directed  by  unerring  wisdom,  and  as  un- 
doubtedly to  result  in  good.  We  are  not  adequate  to 
direct  our  own  steps,  and  ought  to  be  willing  to  be  led  by 
Him  who  never  errs. 


172  MEMOIR* 

"  Sept.  29.  I  hope,  dear  sister,  you  will  experience  a 
permanent  benefit  from  the  affliction  with  which  you  have 
been  visited,  in  the  death  of  your  dear  brother.  A  shade 
brought  over  the  charms  of  earth,  is  often  most  salutary 
to  us." 

"  Feb.  23,  1S36.  Your  own  birth-day  and  mine,  dear 
brother,  are  near  together.  If  we  ever  attain  heaven,  we 
shall  doubtless  review  these  years  and  their  many  scenes, 
and  their  relation  to  eternity,  with  deeper  emotion  than 
we  now  feel.  May  the  future  witness  us  more  and  more 
earnestly  pressing  forward  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize 
of  our  high  calling." 

"  Oct.  17,  1836.  I  suppose,  as  usual,  after  all  journey- 
ings,  you  return  with  pleasure  to  your  home.  What  a 
glorious  home  will  heaven  be  to  every  happy  spirit  that 
shall  be  brought  thither !  Let  us  more  sedulously  culti- 
vate the  temper  and  affections  which  shall  fit  us  for  its 
delightful  society  and  employments." 

"  March  21,  1837.  What  are  we  doing  as  Christians? 
How  can  we  be  so  content  to  see  our  friends  and  fellow- 
men  pressing  their  way  onward  to  the  grave,  without  hope 
in  Christ  ?  How  much  this  world  and  its  petty  cares  and 
interests  engross  us  !  What  shall  we  think  of  ourselves  t 
And  in  what  condition  shall  we  be  on  the  great  day  of 
retribution  1  It  is  almost  too  much  to  think  of,  if 
so  much  did  not  depend  on  thinking  and  acting  in  refer- 
ence to  it.  Let  us  gird  up  the  loins  of  our  mind,  and  ad- 
dress ourselves  to  holiness  of  life.  We  must  not  be  negli- 
gent in  this  great  duty.  We  must  make  our  calling  and 
election  sure,  and  do  what  we  can  to  lead  others  to  the 
same  Saviour  we  have  found." 


MEMOIR.  173 

"  April  25 We  have,  indeed,  fallen  on  days 

of  perturbation  and  distress  in  the  business  world.  A 
righteous  retribution  is  coming  on  our  pride,  and  spirit  of 
daring  speculation. — How  are  you  succeeding  in  this 
time  of  trial  ?  Are  you  spending  anxious  days  and  rest- 
less nights,  in  apprehension  of  impending  evil  1  Whether 
it  be  so  or  not,  let  us  rejoice  that  ?  the  Lord  reign- 
eth.'  What  confusion  would  be  throughout  the  creation, 
if  it  were  not  so.  1  have  hardly  faith  enough  to  keep 
myself  in  the  quiet  assurance  that  you  can  be  wholly  ex- 
empt from  the  general  danger  and  general  panic  ;  yet  I 
am  sure,  should  your  barque  ride  out  the  storm  safely,  my 
heart  will  rejoice,  giving  praise  unto  God.  I  am,  on  the 
whole,  comforted  with  the  thought  that  the  overruling 
hand  of  God  is  at  work  for  the  good  of  our  land  in  the 
distress  of  these  times.  I  trust  that  growing  out  of  these 
evils,  the  benefit  will  ere  long  arise,  that  Christians  at 
least  will  learn  humility,  and  contentment  with  an  ordi- 
nary blessing  on  ordinary  means  ;  that  the  desire  of  riches 
gotten  at  any  rate,  will  not  be  their  ruling  desire ;  and 
that  they  will  fear  before  the  judgments  of  God,  and  re- 
turn to  him  with  penitence,  a  willingness  to  live  accord- 
ing to  their  means,  or  perhaps  below  them,  and  find  their 
happiness  in  more  substantial  things ;  in  a  word,  that 
they  will  pass  through  these  scenes,  '  as  seeing  Him  who 
is  invisible,'  and   in  prospect  of  the  ultimate  reckoning." 

"  June  16 O  the  sad  state  of  our  country — 

of  the  world !  What  sobriety  of  spirit  becomes  the  Chris- 
tian. Our  worldliness  and  sin  are  in  every  way  rebuked. 
Whether  we  receive  the  chastisement  and  profit  by  it,  is 
another  question.  Our  closets  should  now  bear  witness 
for  us,  that  we  are  the  people  of  God.     O  to  be  found 


174  MEMOIR. 

among  the  hidden  ones,  whose  cry  is  regarded  by  the 
Hearer  and  Answerer  of  prayer." 

"  July  19.  Yesterday  morning,  when  Willie  felt 
very  sick,  he  asked  me,  of  his  own  accord,  if  I  would 
not  pray  with  him.  How  pleasant  are  all  such  indications 
of  the  Spirit's  drawing  on  the  hearts  of  children." 

"Jan.  2,  1838.  My  best  wishes  for  you  and  yours, 
dear  brother  and  sister,  at  the  opening  of  the  year ;  in 
which  I  include  a  desire,  that  a  kind  Providence  may 
give  you  so  much  temporal  prosperity  as  will  be  safe  for 
you,  and  consistent  with  your  glorifying  Him,  in  it  and 
by  it;  and  especially  a  desire  for  all  spiritual  blessings. 
These  last  you  cannot  possess  too  largely.  Be  encourag- 
ed to  seek  and  strive  for  their  descent  also  on  your  chil- 
dren. Let  not  the  idea  that  they  are  so  young,  hinder  your 
faith,  and  prayers,  and  labors  to  this  end.  Let  not  their 
volatility,  or  any  developement  of  their  native  depravity, 
discourage  you.  Remember,  that  they  are  by  nature  sin- 
ners, and  must  be  sanctified,  or  they  cannot  be  objects  of 
the  divine  complacency,  however  interesting  they  may  be 
to  you  and  their  other  friends.  Your  responsibilities  as 
parents  are  great;  you  cannot  throw  them  off;  you  must 
therefore  seek  divine  aid  that  you  may  duly  meet  them. 
I  believe  few  parents  (perhaps  none)  receive  so  great  a 
benefit,  as  the  early  sanctification  of  their  children,  with- 
out great  faithfulness  in  duty  on  their  part.  How  rich  is 
the  blessing,  when,  in  the  season  of  childhood,  is  begun 
that  work  which  is  to  ripen  into  everlasting  life. 

"  Yesterday  was  observed  here  as  a  day  of  prayer  for 
the  conversion  of  the  world  to  Christ.     Prayers  and  ad- 


MEMOIR.  175 

dresses  occupied  the  day,  and  in  the  evening  there  was  a 
discourse." 

"  Jan.  26,  1839.  Be  assured  I  am  not  at  all  jealous  of 
your  want  of  brotherly  interest.  I  have  always  thought, 
and  still  think,  that  there  are  few  if  any  brothers  that 
take  so  much  interest  in  the  welfare  of  their  sisters,  as 
you  have  ever  manifested.  Apart  from  self-interest,  I 
consider  this  a  fine  trait  of  character  wherever  it  is  pos- 
sessed, and  as  indicative  of  many  other  existing  excel- 
lencies." 

"  Feb.  4.  This  is  my  third  sitting  down  to  write  this 
letter,  and  I  must  hasten  lest  I  be  interrupted  the  fourth 
time.  We  have  had  callers  most  of  the  time  since  I  com- 
menced it  at  3  o'clock  this  afternoon,  and  it  is  now  nearly 

7  in  the  evening I  need  to  be   stronger  than  I 

am,  to  take  my  part  in  the  labors  and  responsibilities  that 
devolve  on  us,  as  well  as  to  possess  more  of  every  Chris- 
tian grace.  How  sad  is  it,  to  live  in  this  world  on  God's 
constant  bounty,  and  be  only  cumberers  of  the  ground. 
How  anxious  should  we  be  to  abound  in  usefulness,  both 
to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  our  fellow-men." 

"  Dec.  31.  I  seat  myself  to  employ  the  fleeting  mo- 
ments of  a  closing  year  in  conversing  with  you 

In  how  many  ways  is  God  reminding  us  of  the  feeble 
hold  we  have  on  this  mortal  life.  We  have  been  uncom- 
monly visited  in  the  remote  branches  of  our  family  of  late. 
May  we  so  reflect  on  these  things  as  to  be  profited.  May 
our  secret  places  of  prayer  witness  for  us,  that  we  are 
faithful  in  seeking  God,  and  in  our  preparation  for  heaven, 
whenever  called  to  the  close  of  life. 

"  What  fearful   dispensations  have   been  witnessed  on 


176  MEMOIR. 

our  coast  of  late.  The  funeral  solemnities  of  eight 
persons,  shipwrecked  on  Plumb  Island,  and  washed 
ashore,  were  attended  yesterday.  The  church  was  dense- 
ly crowded,  and  the  occasion  deeply  solemn.  I  hope  that 
this  warning  from  the  ocean  will  not  be  in  vain." 

"  Oct.  1,  1840.  When  the  Lord  permits  any  thing  to 
afflict  us,  '  in  mind,  body,  or  estate,'  he  would  that  we 
should  derive  from  it  particular  benefit.  Who  is  there  in 
this  tempting,  deceitful  world,  who  does  not  need  frequent 
purification  from  its  defilements  1  And  what  is  better 
suited  to  perform  this  work,  than  trials  ?  They  make  us 
look  about  us  and  within  us.  They  remind  us  that  earth 
is  not  an  enduring  satisfying  portion,  and  that  uncertainty 
attends  all  earthly  good.  And  if,  after  they  have  done 
their  work,  we  are  again  put  in  possession  of  quietude 
and  prosperity,  they  prepare  us  for  a  higher  and  more 
rational  enjoyment  of  future  blessings. 

"  Having  been  out  considerably  for  a  week  or  two, 
and  exposed  more  than  usual,  I  have  been  quite  unwell. 
Indeed,  I  have  had  a  pretty  diligent  summer.  I  hope  I 
have  been  able  to  do  some  good,  but  how  little  compared 
with  what  there  is  to  be  done.  I  have  been  suspecting, 
for  some  time,  that  I  might  have  an  interruption  of  my 
health  and  activity,  from  the  fact  that  I  was  enjoying  so 
much.  And  if  it  has  come,  what  have  I  to  complain  of? 
Nothing.  Submission  becomes  me,  as  well  as  every 
creature,  under  the  perfect  government  of  a  perfect  God. 
While  I  am  so  desirous  for  the  sanctification  of  others, 
He  knows  how  to  use  means  for  mine.  I  pray  I  may  not 
defeat  so  holy  an  end." 

"  Nov.  1841.  I  find  occasion  now  and  always  to 
sustain  myself  with  high  and  exalted  views  of  the  govern- 


MEMOIR.  177 

ing  providence  of  God,  and  to  labor  after  entire  satisfac- 
tion with  the  events  transpiring  and  in  prospect.  If  for  a 
moment  I  remove  from  this  foundation,  I  find  my  faith 
drooping,  and  I  am  sad.  But  while  resting  here,  my 
spirit  is  light  and  joyful." 

"  Jan.  4,  1842.  The  more  I  have  to  do  with  children, 
[she  had  now  three  under  her  care,]  the  more  am  I  im- 
pressed with  the  responsibility  of  the  parental  relation, 
and  the  blessings  which  may  be  expected  in  connection 
with  parental  faithfulness.  May  we  all  be  found  faithful 
and  successful.     May  all  our  children  be  the  Lord's." 

"  April  21.  Dear  brother  and  sister,  labor  for  the 
sanctification  of  your  children,  as  you  would  hope  to  look 
back  upon  life  with  satisfaction  hereafter.  Children  need 
a  great  deal  of  counsel  and  encouragement  to  become 
pious.  If  they  have  this,  with  much  prayer  in  their  be- 
half, I  believe  their  sanctification  will  ordinarily  be  early 
commenced.  It  will  be  one  evidence  of  the  hastening  on 
of  the  latter-day  glory  of  the  church,  when  children, -in 
large  numbers,  shall  be  seen  flocking  to  Christ." 

"  May  16.  Your  letter,  informing  us  of  dear  Georgie's 
death,  reached  us  on  our  return  from  church,  and  from 
the  communion-table,  where  I  had  been  endeavoring  to 
remember  him,  and  other  dear  ones,  and  petitioning  that 
he,  with  them,  might  share  in  a  Saviour's  love.  You  had 
been  expecting  the  event  for  some  time ;  but  even  that 
cannot  much  alleviate  the  pain.  May  you  find  solace  in 
God." 

"  June  13.     Since  the  departure  of  your  dear  little  one, 
does  not  heaven  appear  nearer,  and   more  like  a  reality? 
16 


178  MEMOIR, 

Such  impressions  are  healthful  to  the  soul,  and  should  be 
retained  and  cherished  amidst  the  dangerous  bustle  of  this 
busy  ensnaring  world." 

"  Sept.  5.  This  is  dear  Julia's  birth-day,  completing 
her  eighth  year.  O  how  I  desire  that  the  work  of  sancti- 
fication  may  now  be  begun  in  her  heart !  What  a  tre- 
mendous thought  it  is,  that  every  child  has  before  it  an 
eternal  existence — of  good  or  of  evil.  This  is  the  truth, 
and  we  cannot  evade  it.  There  is  nothing  half-way  under 
the  government  of  God.  O  that  our  children  may  secure 
early,  that  good  part  which  shall  never  be  taken  from 
them.  All  other  interests  and  acquirements  are  as 
nothing,  in  comparison  with  this." 

"  Dec.  26.  What  a  variety  of  instrumentalities  does 
God  use,  to  draw  our  thoughts  upward,  and  prepare  us 
for  another  scene  of  things,  in  all  his  works,  as  well  as  in 
all  his  word,  saying,  '  Behold  me  !  Behold  me  !  '  It  is 
important  that  we  listen  to  this  voice,  and  that  we  be 
often  thinking  of  heaven,  and  contemplating  its  probable 
employments,  that  we  may  be  fitted  to  attain  its  blessed- 


"  May  29,  1843.  I  keep  thinking  of  dear  departed 
Georgie,  as  though  I  must  send  love  to  him,  (as  well  as  to 
the  rest.)  But  no;  he  is,  I  trust,  on  his  course  of  high 
and  holy  education  in  the  heavens.  God  can  take  care 
of  little  ones  committed  to  him." 

"  Aug.  21.  Dear  brother,  having  returned  from  our 
journey,  I  would  give  you  some  brief  account  of  our  ad- 
ventures, and  particularly  inform  you  that  I  ascended  to 
the  top  of  Mount  Washington.     We  arrived  at  the  White 


MEMOIR.  179 

Mountains  on  Saturday ;  passed  the  Sabbath  at  the  Notch 
House,  where  we  had  public  worship,  with  the  family  and 
servants  of  the  house,  and  a  company  of  fellow  visiters,  in 
all,  some  twenty-five  in  number.  I  had  not  supposed  it 
possible  that  I  should  ascend  the  mountains,  never  having 
been  on  a  horse  to  ride  more  than  twice  in  my  life,  and 
not  at  all  for  more  than  twenty-five  years,  and  my  nerves 
not  having  iron  enough  in  their  composition  to  justify  my 
engaging  in  such  enterprises.  But  so  it  was,  I  went. 
And  surely  it  needs  a  sound  head  to  look  up  these  dizzy 
heights,  and  down  these  dizzy  depths,  and  a  nerve  of  no 
small  firmness  of  texture  to  be  perfectly  quiet  amidst  such 
bold  scenery,  and  such  surrounding  dangers.  But  when 
we  had  planted  our  feet  on  Mount  Washington's  top- 
stone,  and  looked  forth  from  its  towering  eminence  on 
the  surrounding  sea  of  mountains,  we  were  recompensed 
for  our  perils  and  our  pains.  After  refreshment,  and  an 
hour  of  feasting  the  eye  with  this  grandest  of  prospects  I 
had  ever  seen,  our  company,  twelve  in  number,  gathered 
into  a  circle,  and  sung  the  117th  Psalm,  L.  M.,  '  From 
all  that  dwell  below  the  skies,"  &,c.  to  the  tune  of  Old 
Hundred.  I  felt  like  prostrating  myself  amid  so  many 
tokens  of  majesty,  and  found  myself  almost  involuntarily 
exclaiming,  in  the  words  of  the  impassioned  Massillon, 
1  God  alone  is  great  ! '  We  then  gave  a  farewell  look 
at  the  outspread  scene  and  the  objects  which  had  so 
deeply  interested  us,  and  commenced  our  descent.  After 
an  absence  of  about  eleven  hours,  we  were  again  at  our 
hotel.  The  fatigue  and  excitement  were  great,  but  I  be- 
lieve none  regretted  they  had  been  endured.  God  prepare 
us  to  dwell  in  the  mount  of  his  holiness,  the  mount  Zion 
above !  " 

"  Sept.  11.    'In  the  sweat  of  thy  face,'  was  the  original 


180  MEMOIR. 

I 

decree  of  Him  who  could  not  but  frown  on  man's  apos- 
tasy. And  you  and  I  must  have  our  share  in  the  weary 
inheritance,  seeing  we  are  partakers  in  the  disobedience. 
But,  without  complaining,  we  will  endeavor  to  '  make 
the  curse  a  blessing  prove.'  If,  by  the  varied  toils  and 
pains  of  life  we  can  learn  wisdom,  and  increase  in 
humility  and  piety,  so  as  not  to  fail  of  the  unalloyed  and 
enduring  good  of  the  higher  inheritance,  we  shall  have 
cause  of  eternal  joy.  We  must  try  to  keep  heaven  more 
in  our  eye,  and  think  less  of  earth  as  our  home." 

"  Sept.  28.  What  a  rush  does  our  world  present — 
what  competitions  and  strifes  1  Yet,  amidst  the  whole, 
and  by  means  of  it,  God,  the  universal  Ruler,  is  carrying 
on  his  plans,  and  accomplishing  his  purposes,  with  in- 
finite composure  and  unerring  certainty.  We  have  only 
to  pursue  duty,  and  adhere  to  right  principles,  and  we 
shall  be  on  the  track  to  eternal  safety  and  happiness. 
What  a  government  is  that  of  God, — how  secure  is  every 
interest  in  his  hands  !  " 

"  Feb.  26,  1844.  The  anniversary  of  our  dear  sister 
Susan's  departure  to  other  scenes.  How  vividly  are  the 
circumstances  of  that  scene,  though  sixteen  years  ago,  still 
present  to  my  mind.  It  was  an  instance  of  the  sublimity 
of  the  Christian's  dying-bed, — seeming  rather  an  escape 
from  mortality ,  than  dying." 

"  July  1.  [The  wedding  of  a  colored  girl  who  had 
lived  with  her.]  Dear  sister,  I  have  not  seen  the  bride 
since  receiving  your  letter,  to  give  her  your  congratula- 
tions and  present,  but  probably  shall  in  the  course  of  the 
day.  She  was  married  last  Thursday  evening,  and  we  all 
attended.     We  had   a  very  pleasant  wedding.     I  should 


MEMOIR.  181 

think  more  than  fifty  were  present.  The  bride  was  dres- 
sed in  a  thin  white  muslin,  made  tastefully,  a  white  band 
around  her  head,  white  shoes  and  gloves,  with  the  usual 
accompaniments  of  laces,  ribbons,  &c.  All  agreed  that 
she  looked  very  prettily.  According  to  appearances,  she 
has  done  remarkably  well  in  the  choice  of  a  husband  ; 
and  I  hope  it  will  be  for  their  mutual  happiness." 

To  the  foregoing  may  be  added  extracts  from  Letters, 
written  at  various  times,  to  her  eldest  adopted  daughter. 
Those  letters,  entirely  unlabored,  are  flowing  and  easy, 
sprightly  and  abounding  in  expressions  of  the  tenderest 
affection.  The  prudential  maxims  contained  in  them 
might  be  quoted,  and  the  whole  manner  and  spirit  of 
them  would  be  considered  an  agreeable  model  of  this 
kind  of  writing.  Of  the  religious  breathings  which  per- 
vade them,  the  following  may  be  taken  as  specimens. 
The  first,  without  date,  is  designed  for  encouragement. 

"  My  dear  child, — Do  not  let  us  too  much  regret  the 
past.  Let  us  rather  endeavor  to  improve  by  the  expe- 
rience we  have  had,  and  enjoy  the  many  blessings  we  still 
possess.  Let  us  take  such  a  view  of  them  as  shall  show 
our  thankfulness,  so  that  our  heavenly  Father  may  con- 
tinue them  to  us.  We  may  grieve  his  love,  if  we  over- 
look them.  We  must  try  not  to  be  selfish.  Selfishness 
is  the  sin  of  our  nature ;  and  O  how  much  trouble  does  it 
cause  the  Christian,  before  it  is  entirely  subdued.  But 
Christ  can  help  us.  I  rejoice  that  you  are  not  left  without 
some  consolation  from  your  dear  Saviour. 

1  In  every  dark,  distressful  hour, 
When  sin  and  Satan  join  their  power, 
Let  this  dear  hope  repel  the  dart, 
That  Jesus  bears  us  on  his  heart.' 

16  * 


182  MEMOIR. 

"  Let  us  comfort  ourselves  with  this  thought, — If  He  be 
for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ?  He  cares  for  the  feeblest 
of  his  flock.  You  ask  me  to  pray  for  you.  This  I  cannot 
help  doing.  My  devout  aspirations  are,  that  you  may  be 
devoted  to  God's  service,  and  made  happy  both  here  and 
forever." 

"  July  9,  1840.  How  anxious  ought  we  to  be,  con- 
stantly to  grow  in  grace  ;  and  to  this  end  we  must  do 
many  little  things,  as  well  as  great  ones,  and  watch 
against  sin  in  every  particular.  ...  I  have  read  con- 
siderable since  you  left,  and  have  been  thinking  much  of 
the  conversion  of  the  world.  You  and  I  must  do  more  to 
help  on  this  great  work,  or  we  shall  be  ashamed  in 
heaven,  if  we  ever  get  there." 

"  March  25,  1841.  [Referring  to  the  death  of  Rev. 
William  Bradford  Homer.]  Heaven  is  constantly  re- 
ceiving the  best  of  earth's  inhabitants.  How  happy  must 
the  place,  the  society,  the  employments  be !  How  careful 
should  we  be  to  cultivate  those  dispositions,  and  those 
only,  which  will  prepare  us  to  join  the  glorious  company, 
and  enter,  with  all  the  vigor  of  renovated  powers,  into 
that  blessed  world." 

*  April  30,  1842.  [Referring  to  a  child  apprehended 
near  death.]  We  trust  we  shall  have  your  united  prayers, 
that,  through  the  peace-speaking  blood  of  atonement,  and 
the  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Spirit,  he  may  be  ac- 
cepted, and  placed  among  the  millions  of  ransomed  in- 
fants, which,  we  believe,  compose  so  large  a  part  of  the 
family  of  heaven.  I  hope  you  will  feel  easy  about  me. 
Remember  Dr.  Watts's  lines, 

'  The  poisoned  air 
Grows  pure,  if  Israel's  God  be  there.' " 


MEMOIR.  183 

"June  24,  1842.  I  hope  you  are  in  safety,  and  I 
know  you  are  in  the  hands  of  God,  and  that  He  watches 
to  do  you  good.  And  I  do  hope  you  are  endeavoring  to 
serve  him,  and  are  trying  to  keep  your  heart  in  his  fear." 

"  July  3,  1843.  My  prayer  ascends  for  you  oftencr 
than  daily.  Your  health  and  happiness  lie  very  near  my 
heart.  In  the  confidence  of  faith  I  would  commend  you 
entirely  to  God.  I  hope  your  own  heart  is  daily  towards 
him.  Every  intimation  of  your  love  and  service  of  him, 
rejoices  me  more  than  I  can  well  express.  Of  all  acqui- 
sitions, that  of  growth  in  grace  is  most  desirable.  May 
it  be  yours  ! " 

"  June  16,  1844.  He  that  searcheth  the  heart,  knows 
how  much  I  love  you  all,  and  how  earnestly  I  long  after 
you  all  in  the  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ.  I  can  never  rest 
satisfied  till  I  have  a  comfortable  evidence  that  every  one 
of  you  is  '  born  again.' u 


The  following  lines  were  transcribed  by  her,  as  ex- 
pressive of  the  sentiment  which  she  wished  her  household 
to  feel : 

"  Saviour,  didst  thou  die  for  me  ? 
Then  how  holy  should  I  be  ! 
Consecrate  be  every  power, 
Every  moment,  every  hour. 
With  thy  presence  fill  my  heart; 
Never  from  the  place  depart. 
Wheresoe'er  my  path  shall  lead, 
Or  amid  what  scenes  I  tread, 
Let  thy  Spirit's  radiant  light 
Guard  me,  guide  me,  keep  me  right. 


184  MEMOIR. 

Let  thy  kingdom's  progress  be 
My  supreme  felicity, 
Till  I  heavenly  bliss  attain, 
With  my  Saviour  God  to  reign." 


The  following  extracts  are  of  a  miscellaneous  char- 
acter. They  seem  proper  to  be  inserted,  as  a  carrying  out 
of  the  general  view  thus  far  presented. 

To  a  friend  on  the  danger  of  cherishing  false  religious 
hope. 

"  Nov.  18,  1829.  While  rejoicing  in  the  good  work 
which  is  now  in  progress  among  you,  the  thought  crosses 
my  mind,  that  it  is  possible  that  some  may  only  run  well 
for  a  time,  and  then  (painful  possibility)  lose  their  inter- 
est in  spiritual  things,  return  to  earth  as  their  portion,  dis- 
honor their  Saviour,  miss  of  heaven,  and  perish  forever  ! 
Oh  how  careful  should  beginners  in  religion  be,  to  build 
on  the  only  sure  and  abiding  foundation  ;  how  careful  that 
their  repentance,  their  faith,  their  love,  their  devotedness 
to  their  Saviour,  be  genuine  and  true,  such  as  will  lead  to 
a  uniform,  consistent,  and  holy  life,  with  perseverance 
unto  the  end.  Forgive  me  if  I  seem  to  have  too  much 
solicitude  on  this  subject.  I  have  been  somewhat  con- 
nected with  scenes  of  this  kind.  I  have  witnessed  many 
who  have  run  well,  and  the  end  of  whose  race  has  been 
undoubted  happiness  and  glory.  But  some  have  failed, 
hwe  fallen.  And  oh  the  pang  of  grief  that  is  felt  at  such 
a  result !  the  dishonor  that  is  brought  on  Christ  and  his 
cause  !  the  triumph  of  the  enemies  of  the  cross  !  " 


MEMOIR.  185 

"  July  5,  1832.  We  have  fallen  on  days  in  which  sins 
and  judgments  abound.  [Referring  to  the  Asiatic  Cholera, 
which  was  then  spreading  in  our  country.]  But  we  have  not 
come  to  a  time  when  the  Lord  ceases  to  reign.  Let  us  be 
thankful  for  this. — I  wish  to  be  perfectly  calm  amidst  the 
alarming  considerations  which  present  themselves  at  this 
time.  Whether  I  shall  be  able  to  do  so,  in  case  the  evil 
comes  near,  I  do  not  know.  But  I  pray  God,  that,  of  his 
infinite  and  unmerited  mercy,  he  will  grant  me  this  state 
of  mind ;  for,  in  my  case — with  my  natural  temperament 

— it  must   come   from   Him  or  not  exist  at  all 

That  this  dreadful  scourge  takes  so  extensively  from  the 
ranks  of  the  intemperate  and  dissipated,  is  a  very  appall- 
ing consideration  to  my  mind.  Oh  how  will  the  eternal 
world  of  wretchedness  and  despair  receive  an  accession 
to  its  wo,  from  this  desolating  judgment !  " 

To  a  friend  in  affliction  by  the  loss  of  a  sister. 

"  Nov.  19,  1832.  There  is  a  sweet  though  melancholy 
pleasure,  in  respect  to  dear  departed  ones,  in  reflecting 
that  we  have  had  so  much  in  possession  to  lose.  Our 
griefs   are  thus   assuaged   at  the   very   fountain    whence 

they  spring How  delightful    is  the  thought,  that 

our  pious  friends,  by  passing  through  the  gate  of  death, 
do  not  cease  to  exist,  or  to  serve  God,  but  '  enter  into  life 
eternal,'  and  into  a  high  and  perfect  service,  employing  all 
their  powers  to  the  noblest  ends,  and  filling  all  their  capaci- 
ties with  the  purest  bliss.  The  apostle  says,  '  Let  us 
labor,  that  whether  present  or  absent  we  may  be  accepted 
of  him' — signifying  that  it  is  of  little  consequence  wheth- 
er we  are  in  this  world  or  another,  if  only  we  are  accept- 
ed of  the  Lord." 


186  MEMOIR. 

To  another  friend,  some  time  after  the  death  of  a 
sister. 

"July  23,  1840.  Dear  M.  A.  The  subject  alluded 
to,  that  of  spiritual  intercourse  between  earth  and  heaven, 
is  suited  to  remind  you  and  myself  of  the  dear  ones  who 
have  left  us  for  a  better  abode.  Are  they  not  sent  forth, 
sometimes,  at  least,  as  ministering  spirits  to  us,  and  do 
they  not,  in  a  high  and  holy  manner,  sympathize  with  us 
in  our  joys  and  sorrows?  Not,  indeed,  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  interrupt  the  bliss  of  their  heavenly  life,  but  in  such 
a  manner  as  brings  the  powers  of  that  life  into  high  ac- 
tivity. We  will  not  stop  to  speculate  how  it  is  ;  only  I 
think  we  may  suppose  in  some  way,  they  know  and  feel 
concerning  us.  Have  you  ever  read  '  Taylor's  Theory 
of  Another  Life  1 '  If  you  are  fond  of  looking  at  theories, 
and  weighing  opinions,  you  would  feel  interested  in  the 
perusal  of  this  book.  But,  at  least,  of  the  departed  in 
Jesus,  we  can  say  this,  that  they  are  entirely  free  from 
sin,  and  have  the  presence  of  God  and  the  Lamb,  and  are 
in  the  society  of  the  perfect.  Here  we  will  pause,  and 
leave  them  to  their  felicity,  and  return  to  our  duties  as  in- 
habitants of  earth.  Let  us  live,  honoring  our  Saviour, 
and  preparing  to  join  the  glorious  company  !  " 

"  Sept.  9,  1840.  We  had  a  great  Whig  day  here  on 
the  28th  ultimo.  Oh  that  our  hopes  and  expectations  may 
be  above  these  inferior  means,  and  that  He  that  reigneth 
supreme  may  choose  our  rulers,  and  especially  our  chief 
magistrate  for  us,  in  mercy." 

"  April  28,  1843.  There  is  so  much  stir  and  turmoil 
at  the  present  day  in  matters  of  religion,  that  '  a  retreat 
to  the  foundations  of  our  faith'   seems  very  necessary  to 


M  £  M  0  I  H  .  187 

keep  the  mind  calm  and  steadfast.  We  need  to  find  what 
is  sure  footing,  in  distinction  from  the  unstable  sea  of 
conjecture  and  wild  speculation.  Modesty  in  opinions 
is  at  present  not  a  very  popular  virtue — still  it  is  a  virtue, 
and  thus  both  you  and  I  esteem  it." 

"Sept.  11,  1843.  What  a  mixed  scene  is  constantly 
presenting  itself  in  our  world.  We  have  recently  been 
called  to  pause,  and  look  at  the  ravages  of  the  ■  merciless 
destroyer'  on  the  fair  form  of  our  friend  and  brother  Fran- 
cis V.  Pike.  The  community  are  deeply  solemn  in  view 
of  this  sudden  death  of  one  so  recently  among  us  in  the 
vigor  of  life.  His  unassuming  manners,  his  urbanity,  his 
sweet  and  lovely  disposition  and  unfeigned  piety,  rise  be- 
fore us  with  new  lustre,  in  connection  with  his  departure. 
His  sermons  were  ever  particularly  interesting  to  me — 
chastely  written,  spiritual,  instructive.  Oh  that  some 
spiritual  blessing  might  arise  from  this  dispensation. 
How  insignificant  is  much  that  interests  and  agitates  us 
here  !  When  standing  by  the  death-bed  of  a  Christian 
friend,  and  looking  almost  into  heaven,  the  things  of  faith 
rush  upon  our  vision  with  a  measure  of  their  power,  and 
we  feel,  for  the  time,  their  salutary  influence.  *  But  how 
soon  again  earth  solicits  and  allures — and,  alas  !  too  often 
prevails." 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  written  a  little  more 
than  six  months  before  her  decease,  will  show  the  state  of 
mind  with  which,  unconsciously,  she  was  approaching  the 
end  of  her  earthly  course. 

"May  18,  1844.  You  advert  to  the  altered  state  of 
our  family,  and  to  the  increased  demands  it  must  bring 
upon  my  time,  &,c As  you  suppose,  my  reading 


188  MEMOIR. 

is  considerably  abridged,  though  my  appetite  for  it  re- 
mains the  same;  and,  it  being  thus,  I  devote  leisure  mo- 
ments to  that  favorite  employment,  and  thus  try  to  keep 
along  with  the  times  as  much  as  I  can.  But  it  seems  to 
me  that  I  can  do  nothing  precisely  as  I  used  to  do,  be- 
cause duties  and  events  come  so  near  together,  and  press 
so  much  on  my  time  and  attention.  Repose  seems  an 
exotic,  hard  to  come  at,  and  difficult  to  preserve — a  plant 
that  will  not  flourish  in  my  enclosure.  But  I  must  not 
further  trespass  on  your  sympathies. 

"  I  regret  to  know  the  increased  weakness  of  your  eyes, 
and  that  doubts  and  difficulties  oppress  your  mind.  What 
a  wonderful  mercy  it  is,  that  the  rays  of  hope  and  conso- 
lation ever  reach  our  wintry  hearts  in  this  distant  position 
which  we  occupy,  so  far  from  the  great  central  fountain  of 
light  and  joy  !  But  on  this  subject  I  must  hardly  begin 
to  speak,  for  fear  that  I  shall  transcend  all  bounds,  if  I 
give  utterance  to  all  I  think  and  feel.  Let  me,  however, 
exhort  you,  and  myself,  to  keep  the  eye  of  faith  in  the 
right  direction,  and  earnestly  and  continually  cry  for  a 
supply  of  our  deep  necessities." — Having  alluded  to  the 
then  recent  death  of  several  missionaries,  she  adds,  "  I 
want  to  talk  with  you  about  the  whole  missionary  enter- 
prise, as  well  as  other  benevolent  operations.  What  is  to 
become  of  them  in  such  poor  hands  as  the  present  race  of 
Christians?  Shall  we  shortly  have  a  baptism  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  which  shall  arouse  the  dormant  energies  of 
the  Christian  church  at  large,  and  lay  every  thing  under 
contribution  to  carry  forward  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  ? 
'  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  !  '  " 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Her  last  Sickness  and  Death  —  Her  Character  —  Tributes  to  her  Memory. 

It  has  been  already  remarked  that  Mrs.  Dimmick  had 
never  one  of  the  firmest  of  constitutions.  In  her  earliest 
years,  she  had  moreover  some  sicknesses  which  proba- 
bly left  their  effects  behind.  As  she  herself  said,  a  year 
or  two  before  her  death,  "  I  have,  I  suppose,  ever  felt 
the  consequences  of  the  feverish  attacks  which  succes- 
sively visited  me  in  childhood."  As  she  passed  on  in 
life,  the  activity  of  her  mind,  and  her  strong  sympathy 
with  occurring  events,  were  sometimes  more  than  her 
physical  nature  was  well  able  to  endure.  This  fact  is 
brought  to  view  by  a  remark  of  her  own  respecting  the 
advice  of  one  of  her  physicians  :  "  He  seemed  to  think  it 
important  that  I  should  avoid  severe  trials  of  feeling  ;  a 
prescription,"  she  adds,  "  very  difficult  for  me  to  follow." 

During  the  latter  years  of  her  life,  and  particularly 
after  the  fever  with  which  she  was  visited  in  1831,  she 
became  subject  to  severe  attacks  of  illness,  which  increas- 
ed in  frequency.  About  three  months  before  her  death 
there  were  manifestations  of  permanent  disease.  The 
malady  which  afflicted  her  was,  in  general  terms,  a  liver 
complaint ;  a  malady  discouraging  and  disheartening, 
17 


190  MEMOIR. 

above  most  others ;  attended,  usually,  if  not  with  the 
acutest  pain,  yet  with  a  high  degree  of  more  general  suf- 
fering and  distress. 

Life  is  a  blessing  ;  it  is  sweet.  Mrs.  Dimmick  felt  that 
she  had  yet  much  for  which  to  desire  to  live.  In  her 
family,  and  in  the  community,  were  blessings  which,  if 
she  might,  she  would  like  still  to  enjoy  ;  were  duties 
which,  if  permitted,  she  would  highly  delight  still  to  per- 
form. The  preservation  of  life,  too,  as  far  as  practicable, 
is  a  most  sacred  duty — not  to  mention  the  instinctive 
shrinking  which  every  sensitive  mind  feels  at  the  dark 
scenes  of  dissolution.  Under  all  these  views,  she  made  a 
strong  effort  for  life  ;  her  prevailing  apprehensions  being, 
at  the  same  time,  in  the  other  direction. 

Early  in  September,  she  accompanied  her  husband  to 
Andover,  at  the  anniversary  of  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary. She  felt  but  little  interest  in  going ;  but  consented 
in  hope  that  the  ride  might  be  beneficial.  She  admired 
intellect,  and  during  some  of  the  more  brilliant  perform- 
ances of  the  anniversary,  she  forgot  herself,  and  entered 
into  the  scene,  as  on  former  occasions.  In  some  inter- 
views with  friends,  the  case  was  the  same  ;  yet  the  feeling 
of  illness  was  too  deep  to  be  permanently  beguiled.  She 
returned  without  benefit. 

With  the  highest  regard  for  the  medical  faculty  of  her 
own  place,  and  the  highest  confidence  in  their  skill — a 
regard  and  confidence  fully  concurred  in  by  her  husband 
and  friends — it  was  still  thought  that  it  would  afford  sat- 
isfaction to  add  to  their  advice  that  of  some  eminent  prac- 
titioner in  the  metropolis.  She  was  absent  a  fortnight  for 
this  purpose.  A  few  brief  passages  from  letters  written 
to  her  husband  during  this  absence — he  having  been 
obliged  to  return  to  his  parochial  duties — will  show  her 
views  and   feelings  at  that  time. 


MEMOIR.  191 

"  Oct.  12,  1844 I  was  glad  to  hear  that  you 

got  home  safely,  and  that  all  are  well.  Your  first  inquiry 
will  be  to  know  how  I  am.  I  wish  I  had  something  more 
favorable  to  say,  than  I  have.  I  do  not  know  that  any 
thing  yet  appears  of  a  decidedly  favorable  character.     My 

difficulties  seem  hard  to  give  way Oh  to  be  well, 

and  at-home,  and  at  the  work  I  love.  But  I  must  not 
have  one  rebellious  thought.  I  have  had  much  sweet  en- 
joyment of  life,  even  amidst  its  perplexities  and  trials ; 
and  how  proper  it  is  that  I  should  now  meekly  drink  of 
the  bitter  cup  put  into  my  hands.     But  how  much  faith 

do  I  need  in  my  present  situation Thanks,  dear 

H.  for  your  note,  so  full  of  affection.  Do  not  be  too 
anxious  about  me — it  will  all  be  right." 

"Oct.  14 And  what  have  I  to  report  to  you  ? 

Verily  I  know  not  that  there  is  any  thing  of  a  specially 

encouraging  nature  to  say If  I  could  see  you 

all  daily,  how  pleasant  it  would  be.  But  this  very  trial 
[of  absence  from  home  under  such  circumstances],  is  a 
part  of  the  discipline  I  need  in  passing  through  the  wil- 
derness. I  have  become  entangled  in  some  of  its  thick- 
ets ;  yet  who  can  tell  but  I  may  be  brought  out,  through 
the  guidance  of  the  Great  Shepherd,  and  live  yet  longer 
to  praise  his  name?     Let  us  calmly  leave  it,  satisfied  that 

His  heart  is  love Dear  H.,  do  not  shed  too  many 

tears,  nor  repress  any  proper  cheerfulness,  on  my  account. 
You  know  it  can  do  me  no  good,  and  I  am  probably  in 
the  way  of  duty  in  being  here  for  the  present." 

"  Oct.  17 I  wish  I  could'  tell  you  some- 
thing more  encouraging.  Physicians  and  friends  think 
there  may  possibly  be  a  shade  of  improvement.  For  my 
own  part,  it  requires  better  eyes  than  mine  to  perceive 


192  MEMOIR. 

that  my  health  is  in  any  degree  improved.     In  some  re- 
spects I  am  certainly  not  so  well I  hope  the 

dear  sisters  are  having  a  meeting  to-day,  and  that  I  shall 
be  remembered  by  them.     '  Prayer  ardent  opens  heaven.' " 

"  Oct.  19 I  do  not  wish  to  be  too  anxious 

about  the  continuance  of  this  poor  life ;  yet  to  do  our  du- 
ty is  of  importance Do  not  any  of  you  allow  too 

frequent  or  sad  thoughts  of  me,  to  interrupt  your  com- 
fort. I  also  will  endeavor  to  be  cheerful.  By  our  mutual 
prayers,  we  may  be  able  to  call  down  blessings  on  each 
other,  though  we  are  all  so  unworthy  to  be  heard.  I 
must  not  write  more.  I  was  fatigued  by  my  last. 
With  much  love  to  each, 

Your  Catharine." 

This  seems  to  have  been  the  last  time  she  used  her  pen. 
With  this  affectionate  subscription,  she  laid  it  aside  to 
rest  forever. 

Very  shortly  after  this  she  returned  home.  She  return- 
ed without  any  benefit,  nothing  having  been  accomplished 
shedding  any  hope  on  the  future.  It  was  a  trying  hour. 
A  great  effort  had  failed.  Her  manner  in  these  circum- 
stances was  truly  impressive — the  calm  dignity  with 
which  she  took  leave  of  her  friends;  the  silent  composure 
with  which,  as  the  carriage  passed  through  the  city,  she 
looked  out  upon  the  moving  crowds,  and  upon  the  open 
shops,  full  of  activity  and  life  ;  and,  at  crossing  the  ferry, 
her  brief  survey,  from  the  outer  platform  of  the  boat,  of 
the  shipping  in  the  harbor,  the  distant  eminences,  and 
other  prominent  objects  in  that  interesting  panorama,  and 
then  taking  her  seat  in  the  cabin,  with  an  air  seeming  to 
say,  it  is  done  !     Manifestly,  the  absorbing  thought  in  her 


MEMOIR.  193 

mind,  through  all  this  scene,  was,  that  she  was  beholding 
these  objects  for  the  last  time.  Mentally  she  had  said  to 
them,  farewell!  No  emotion  was  visible  in  her,  though 
others  could  not  suppress  their  tears. 

Returned  to  her  home,  gleams  of  hope  would  still 
sometimes  visit  her  mind,  that,  in  some  way,  through  the 
providence  of  God  blessing  the  means,  she  should  find 
relief,  and  life  would  be  continued.  She  was  often  cheer- 
ful and  like  herself  in  conversation  with  friends.  No 
medical  prescription  was  declined,  however  painful  or 
irksome. 

She  rode  out  a  short  distance,  two  or  three  times,  in 
pleasant  weather,  and  the  last  time  only  about  a  week  be- 
fore her  departure.  At  this  time,  in  getting  into  the  car- 
riage she  faltered  and  came  near  falling.  "  See  !  "  said 
she,  "  I  am  growing  weaker,  and  shall  not  be  able  to  ride 
much  more."  All  things  were  tending  towards  the  close. 
About  four  days  before  her  departure,  there  was  a  change. 
Ever  quick  to  apprehend,  she  remarked  at  once,  that  she 
considered  this  the  last  stage  of  her  disease — that  her 
time  had  come. 

Death  was  now  full  before  her.  And  to  a  sensitive  na- 
ture like  hers,  the  mere  prospect  of  the  pangs  of  dissolu- 
tion is  formidable.  It  was  so  to  her.  She  understood  her 
own  case  with  great  clearness,  and  marked  the  progress 
of  her  disease — and  now  of  her  dissolution — with  great 
precision.  "  We  have  all  to  die,"  she  said  to  one  of  her 
attendants,  "  and  this  is  it."  No  pin  was  taken  from  the 
tabernacle,  but  she  knew  of  its  removal — or  cord  loosened, 
but  she  understood  whereto  things  were  tending.  The 
waters  of  Jordan,  dark,  and  the  waves  swelling  and  angry, 
were  distinctly  in  view.  She  feared,  at  first,  that  she 
could  not  meet  the  scene.  Yet  no  murmur  escaped  her, 
17* 


194  MEMOIR. 

or  expression  of  distrust.  But  it  cost  a  struggle.  There 
was  a  renewed  flying  for  refuge  to  Him  who  had  appoint- 
ed her  the  gloomy  way — who,  she  believed,  had  been  her 
God  and  Saviour,  and  would  help  her  still.  Nor  was  she 
deceived.  There  was  a  growing  acquiescence  and  sweet- 
ness of  disposition  ;  a  delightful  and  childlike  faith  and 
confidence  becoming  hourly  more  manifest;  till,  at  length, 
the  fear  was  removed ;  sweet  peace  and  hope  took  its 
place ;  and  a  measure  of  triumph  closed  the  scene.  She 
died  understandingly.  No  lethargy,  or  stupor,  came 
to  her  aid.  She  died  believingly,  and  her  faith  brought 
her  Peace. 

A  few  of  the  expressions  which  fell  from  her  lips,  may 
properly  be  added.  Under  severe  distress  she  said,  "  I 
am  afraid  I  shall  not  have  patience  to  bear  this  to  the 
end.  'Why  are  his  chariot-wheels  so  long  in  coming?'" 
Does  it  seem  desirable  to  you  to  depart  1  it  was  said  to 
her.  "  Yes,"  she  replied ;  "  but  I  am  afraid  it  is  to  get 
rid  of  suffering."  I  wish  I  could  help  you,  it  was  added ; 
how  can  I  ?  "  All  the  help  I  can  have,"  she  rejoined, 
"  is  heavenward." 

A  little  after,  she  repeated  the  line,  "  Short  is  the 
journey  to  the  skies,"  but  immediately  added,  "  I  fear 
sometimes  it  is  going  to  be  long." 

At  the  opening  light  of  Sabbath  morning,  (the  day  at 
whose  close  she  departed,)  she  directed  her  eye  upward, 
her  countenance  kindling  with  peculiar  animation  :  "Oh," 
said  she,  "  what  a  Sabbath  this  is  in  heaven  !  I  long  to 
get  hold  of  it."  Perhaps  you  will,  it  was  said,  get  hold 
of  something  of  it — meaning,  will  enjoy  something  of  it 
here.  She  understood  the  remark  of  enjoying  it  there, 
and  said,  "  Oh,  not  so  soon  as  that,"  and  added,  "  But  I 


% 


195 


U8/?^ 


must  not  be  too  anxious,  or  I  shall  be  kept 
white." 

When  her  husband  was  going  forth  to  the  duties  of  the 
sanctuary,*  she  said,  with  much  strength  and  emphasis 
for  one  in  her  situation  :  "  The  Lord  bless  you  this  day, 
and  bless  your  discourse  to  the  people — by  mild  and  gen- 
tle ways  sanctifying  it  to  the  church.  Ask  their  prayers, 
if  you  please,  for  me  ;  I  need  them.  I  have  but  one  re- 
quest to  make ;  bright  visions  of  my  Saviour,  and  as 
speedy  a  departure  to  his  presence  as  he  can  consistently 
give  me,  through  the  riches  of  his  grace." 

Speaking  again  of  her  sufferings,  she  said,  "  Oh  must 
I  lie  here  and  suffer  ?  My  nature  shrinks  from  suffering. 
If  I  could  be  dismissed  at  once,  how  desirable  it  would 
be ! "  She  continued,  "  I  am  afraid  God  has  seen  some- 
thing peculiarly  out  of  the  way  in  me  as  a  Christian,  that 
he  has  laid  his  hand  so  heavily  on  me  ;  and  I  am  blind 
to  it.  What  is  it  ?  My  friends  have  probably  seen  it 
plainer  than  I."     Adding  the  lines  from  Mrs.  Graham, 

"  Only  to  me  thy  countenance  show ; 
I  ask  no  more  the  Jordan  through." 

It  was  said  to  her,  do  you  not  know  whom  you  have 
believed  ?  "  I  hope  so,"  she  replied.  "  I  do  not  set  my- 
self up,  however,  to  be  any  uncommon  Christian,  either 
in  life  or  in  death.     I  am  poor  and  imperfect." 


#  It  was  one  of  the  trying-  circumstances  of  the  scene,  that  he  was  oblig- 
ed to  be  at  all  absent  from  her  chamber.  A  coincidence  had  occurred, 
which  was  striking.  That  day  was  precisely  twenty-five  years  from  his 
ordination.  He  had,  two  or  three  weeks  before,  announced,  that  he  would 
take  some  notice  of  the  occasion,  by  a  sort  of  Quarter-Century  Ser- 
mon. The  people  were  in  expectation ;  and  thinking  that  Mrs.  Dimmick's 
continuance  would  yet  be  somewhat  longer  protracted,  he  took  the  time 
necessary  for  the  public  services  of  the  day. 


196  MEMOIR. 

At  another  time  she  said,  "  If  one  could  go  into  a 
sweet  sleep,  and  wake  up  in  all  the  happiness  of  heaven, 
how  delightful  it  would  be  !  "  And  again  of  her  suffer- 
ing, "  If  I  am  patient  under  it,  my  Saviour  will  be  pleas- 
ed, won't  he?  the  one  I  wish  to  please." 

At  a  moment  of  a  little  more  than  usual  ease,  as  her 
husband  was  sitting  beside  her  bed,  she  turned  her  eye 
toward  him,  and  with  a  look  and  manner  of  peculiar  in- 
terest and  tenderness,  said,  "  Won't  you  make  haste  and 
come  to  heaven  ?" 

Waiting  for  her  change,  and  feeling  it  near,  she  said, 
"  I  see  a  hand  which  none  of  you  can  see.  I  hear  a 
voice  which  none  of  you  can  hear."  Meaning,  as  she 
was  understood,  that  she  had  a  better  perception  of  what 
was  taking  place,  than  any  of  us  ;  and  added, 

"  See  the  kind  angels  at  the  gates, 
Inviting  us  to  come ; 
There  Jesus,  the  Forerunner,  waits, 
To  welcome  travellers  home." 

Under  some  new  sensations,  indicating  that  dissolution 
was  going  forward — that  the  tabernacle  was  falling — she 
said,  "  It  seems  as  though  there  was  something  more  ac- 
complishing to  encourage  me ;  and  it  must  be  borne  to 
finish  it."  And  shortly  after,  looking  upward,  "  O  bless- 
ed PROSPECT,  THROUGH  GRACE ! " 

She  was  fast  sinking  into  the  arms  of  death.  "  What 
makes  it  grow  so  dark  I  "  she  said,  though  the  lamps  were 
still  burning.  A  little  after,  "  My  eyes  are  cold ;  I  don't 
understand  it,  that  they  should  be  so  cold."  Let  me  put 
my  hand  gently  over  them,  and  see  if  it  will  not  warm 
them  a  little ;  which  was  done.  In  a  few  moments,  she 
said,  "  It  seems  to  me  there  is  a  strange  feeling  in  my 
fingers — something  new."     Shortly  after,  she  was  asked, 


MEMOIR.  197 

Do  you  suffer  now  ?  She  replied,  "  No ;  except  this 
strange  feeling  in  my  fingers,  I  am  very  comfortable." 
Nature  was  exhausted ; .  it  struggled  no  more.  She 
recognized,  for  an  instant,  her  brother,  and  her  husband, 
and,  with  a  few  faint  and  gentle  gasps,  the  scene  was 
closed.     When  all  was  still,  it  was  twelve  o'clock  at  night. 

Thus  the  sacred  day,  whose  opening  beams  had  awak- 
ened in  her  such  aspirations  for  heaven,  at  its  close, 
placed  the  freed  spirit,  as  we  trust,  in  the  abodes  of  the 
blessed. 

"  In  vain  my  fancy  strives  to  paint 
The  moment  after  death *j 
The  glories  that  surround  a  saint, 
When  yielding  up  hi3  breath." 


"  The  better  days  of  life  were  ours, 
The  worst  can  be  but  mine  ; 
The  sun  that  cheers,  the  storm  that  lours, 
Shall  never  more  be  thine." 

But  brighter  suns  thy  skies  illume — 

The  skies  above  thee  now ; 
Where  storm,  nor  cloud,  shall  ever  come, 

Nor  sin,  nor  fear  of  wo. 

There  highest  glories  shine  around, 
And  music  floats  in  every  sound, 

Through  all  that  spirit-land. 
Thy  robe  is  light — thy  heart  is  free ; 
The  crystal  stream,  th'  immortal  tree — 

'  Tis  these  regale  thee  now. 
Thou'st  gained  the  Rest.     The  conquest's  made, 
The  Triumph's  thine  ;  and  ne'er  shall  fade 

The  palm  of  victory  in  thy  hand — 

The  chaplet  on  thy  brow ! 


198  MEMOIR. 

Mrs.  Dimmick  thought  much  of  heaven.  She  thought 
of  it,  not  merely  as  a  place  of  repose,  of  rest ;  but  chiefly 
as  a  place,  or  state,  for  the  higher  developement  of  in- 
telligent natures.  From  the  very  first  of  her  serious  im- 
pressions, one  of  the  things  most  prominent  in  her  view 
was,  that  she  had  begun  to  be  that  conscious  existence 
which  was  to  continue  through  infinite  duration.  In  her 
covenant  with  God,  at  her  public  profession  of  religion, 
her  prayer  was,  "  In  the  solemn  moment  of  departure, 
give  me  an  overcoming  faith.  In  the  judgment  of  the 
great  day,  may  I  be  shielded  and  arrayed  in  the  righteous- 
ness of  Christ ;  and  have  some  humble  part  assigned 
me  among  those  who  are  to  enjoy  the  felicities  of  heaven, 
and  sing  for  ever  the  wonders  of  redeeming  love ;  that 
the  termination  of  my  pilgrimage  may  be  peace  and  un- 
fading glory."  And  so  substantially  in  many  pas- 
sages that  flowed  from  her  pen,  as  the  reader  has  seen. 
All  the  lines  of  thought  with  her  concentred  and  ter- 
minated in  that  higher  and  more  glorious  state  of  being. 
Her  judgments,  her  plans,  her  movements,  were  regulat- 
ed with  reference  to  it.  It  was  before  her  as  the  goal  of 
her  being.  As  she  herself  expressed  it,  "  How  pure  will 
be  that  joy  when  the  soul  finds  itself  free  from  all  that  has 
enslaved  and  encumbered  it  on  earth  ;  its  petty  pleasures 
and  trials  forever  dismissed  and  ended ;  every  barrier  to 
its  progress  in  knowledge  and  holiness  removed  ;  and  its 
capacity  to  receive  and  power  to  love  correspondingly 
enlarged.     Delightful  vision  !     Glorious  state!" 

And  has  she  not  found  it  1  Every  one  knows,  indeed, 
the  eagerness  with  which  survivors  desire  a  Heaven  for 
their  departed  friends.  The  Christless,  and  even  the 
vicious,  are  often  confidently  spoken  of  as  in  glory.  But 
is  there  not  something  in  the  case  before  us,  which  lays 
the  foundation  for  a  better  hope  ?     Judging  on  Christian 


MEMOIR.  199 

principles,  may  not  the  belief  be  indulged,  that  she  has 
passed  from  this  earthly  to  a  heavenly  existence  ;  that  she 
is  "  before  the  throne  ;"  that  she  has  "  entered  into  the 
joy  of  her  Lord;"  that 


"  She  sings 
To  some  new  golden  harp  th'  almighty  deeds, 
The  names,  the  honors,  of  her  Saviour  God, 
His  cross,  his  grace,  his  victory,  and  his  crown!  " 

"  'Tis  she,  'tis  she  ; 
Among  the  heavenly  forms  I  see 
The  kindred  mind  from  fleshly  bondage  free. 
O  how  unlike  the  thing  was  lately  seen, 
Groaning  and  panting  on  the  bed, 
With  ghastly  air,  and  languished  head !  " 

"  The  prisoner  smiled  to  be  released ; 

She  felt  her  fetters  loose,  and  mounted  to  her  rest." 

So  Christ  speaks  of  those  who  love  him :  "  Father,  I  will 
that  they  also  whom  thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me  where 
I  am ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory  which  thou  hast 
given  me."  And  the  Apostle  :  "  For  we  know  that  if  our 
earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a 
building  of  God,  an  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in 
the  heavens." 


The  character  of  Mrs.  Dimmick  will  be  sufficiently  in- 
ferred from  what  has  been  exhibited  in  the  preceding  pages. 
She  had  a  vigorous  mind,  quick  and  clear  in  its  percep- 
tions, a  prompt  and  yet  generally  accurate  judgment,  de- 
cision and  energy.  She  was  frank  and  open-hearted,  not 
knowing  the  art  of  deception.  She  was  affable,  and 
easily  accessible  by  all.     "  To  know  her  intimately,  was 


MEMOIR. 

to  love  her."  In  her  attachments  and  friendships  she 
was  ardent  and  constant.  The  lines  addressed  to  her  by 
another,  were  descriptive  of  her  own  case  : 

"  Not  one  kind  effort  for  my  good 
My  soul  hath  e'er  forgot ; 
Not  e'en  one  wish  for  health  and  peace, 
That  I  remember  not." 

In  religion  her  views  were  comprehensive  and  practical. 
The  Doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  generally  denominated  Evan- 
gelical, took  strong  hold  of  her  mind.  .  She  had  exalted 
conceptions  of  God — of  his  greatness,  power,  wisdom, 
holiness,  justice,  goodness,  and  truth  ;  apprehending  him 
as  an  infinite  and  eternal  mind,  all-perfect,  blessed,  and 
ever-present.  She  viewed  the  government  of  God,  provi- 
dential and  moral,  as  the  safety  of  the  universe,  and  mat- 
ter of  the  highest  joy.  To  her  eye,  God  was  in  all  his 
works,  and  in  all  events,  ordering  and  controlling,  in  his 
sovereignty,  for  the  highest  ultimate  good  of  his  creation. 
The  moral  law,  addressing  itself  to  the  heart — a  spiritual 
rule,  taking  cognizance  of  the  thoughts  and  affections,  of 
the  secret  motives  and  principles  of  life — was  honorable 
and  glorious  in  her  esteem,  and  the  standard  of  her  judg- 
ments. This  law,  she  viewed  as  reigning  in  heaven,  and 
as  needful  to  reign  in  all  worlds,  in  order  to  their  well-being. 

Estimated  by  this  law,  she  saw  that  the  race  of  man  is 
fallen  and  lost.  She  felt  the  sad  fact  in  her  own  case, 
and  beheld  evidences  of  it  in  the  case  of  others.  With 
her  it  was  an  abiding  conviction  respecting  the  race, 
that,  unreclaimed  by  grace,  "  they  are  all  gone  aside ; 
they  are  all  together  become  filthy ;  there  is  none  that 
doeth  good,  no  not  one;"  that  all  are  by  nature  "  alienated 
from  the  life  of  God,"  "  under  sin,"  "  children  of  wrath" 
and  "  without  hope."     Hence  the  occasion  for  the  gospel. 


MEMOIR.  201 

She  believed  in  a  Divine  Saviour,  who  was  "  in  the  be- 
ginning with  God,  and  was  God,"  and  *  was  made  flesh 
and  dwelt  among  us ;"  and  who  is  "  over  all  God  blessed 
forever."  She  believed  in  his  atoning  blood,  viewing 
him  as  "the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world,"  and  the  only  Helper  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
She  believed  in  a  Divine  Sanctifier,  who  "  takes  of  the 
things  of  Christ,  and  shows  them  unto  men,"  and  through 
whose  silent  but  efficacious  influence,  men  "  must  be  born 
again,"  in  order  to  see  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  In  her 
view,  the  salvation  which  the  gospel  has  brought  to  the 
world  is  a  "  great  salvation."  In  the  Author  of  this  sal- 
vation she  placed  her  hope.  His  instructions  were  her 
light ;  his  atoning  blood  the  cover  to  her  sins  ;  his  right- 
eousness the  robe  in  which  she  expected  to  appear  be- 
fore the  throne,  and  at  the  marriage-supper  of  the  Lamb. 
And  this  Gospel  she  viewed  equally  needful  to  others  ; 
the  only  remedy  for  the  ills  with  which  the  world  is  afflict- 
ed, and  the  only  foundation  of  hope  for  the  world  to  come. 

While  she  regarded  thus  the  Doctrines  of  the  Gospel, 
she  connected  with  them  the  Duties  appropriately  grow- 
ing out  of  them.  She  held  not  the  truth  as  an  empty 
speculation.  She  had  a  benevolence  which  embraced  the 
race  of  man ;  and  she  desired  the  extension  of  the  great 
remedy  of  Heaven's  appointment  throughout  the  world. 
She  rejoiced  in  its  success,  and  the  blessings  it  con- 
fers ;  and  had  a  heart  to  feel  for  those  whose  sufferings 
are  unredressed  by  its  grace ;  a  heart, 

"  which  seeks  another's  pleasure, 
Not  its  own — denies  itself,  that  others 
May  enjoy ;  whose  chords  so  nicely  tuned,  that 
At  the  sound  of  misery  or  wo,  which 
From  the  depths  of  human  degradation 
Issues  forth,  vibrates  sympathetic  notes." 

18 


202  MEMOIR. 

She  possessed  livelier  and  deeper  faith,  than  the  gener- 
ality of  Christians  manifest.  The  themes  of  the  Bible 
were  to  her  eminently  realities.  In  the  promises  she  re- 
joiced ;  at  the  terrors  she  trembled.  Her  life  was  a  life 
of  prayer ;  not  in  form  merely,  but  employing  in  this  ser- 
vice the  deep  workings  of  her  heart.  She  was  observing 
of  providences ;  often  repeating  the  aphorism  of  one  of 
the  old  writers  on  this  subject :  "  He  that  will  observe 
providences,  shall  never  want  providences  to  observe/' 
She  carried  into  her  religion  her  native  decision  of  char- 
acter. The  current  of  an  hour  did  not  move  her  from 
her  position.  She  had  her  fixed  principles ;  and  to  them 
she  adhered,  and  would  make  any  sacrifice,  rather  than 
seem  to  deny  or  forget  the  truth  or  cause  of  her  Saviour. 
She  had  high  views  of  the  Christian  profession,  and  aim- 
ed at  consistency  of  life  as  a  disciple  of  Jesus  ;  studied  to 
understand  what  is  becoming  in  one  in  such  a  position, 
and  endeavored  to  maintain  it  in  her  practice.  She  was 
a  cheerful  Christian,  nothing  of  gloom  surrounding  her. 
It  was  a  sort  of  proverb,  or  golden  sentence,  with  her, 
adopted  from  another  :  "  Cheerful,  without  levity ;  serious, 
without  gloom."  Her  activity — always  having  an  high 
object  to  live  for,  and  always  living  for  it — kept  her 
mind  in  a  healthful  state.  "  I  always,"  she  said,  "  have 
my  hands  and  heart  fall  of  employment."  She  loved  the 
people  in  the  midst  of  whom  the  providence  of  God  had 
placed  her.  She  loved  them  all.  She  felt  a  deep  in- 
terest in  the  church;  in  its  purity,  in  its  peace,  in  its  pro- 
gress. She  had  no  separate  interest  of  her  own,  which 
she  set  up  as  paramount  to  the  welfare  of  Zion.  Her 
station  to  her  was  no  sinecure,  which  she  held  for  per- 
sonal advantage,  unmindful  of  the  good  of  others.  All 
that  she  had,  and  all  that  she  was,  she  held  subordinate 
to  the  grand  interest  of  her  Redeemer's  kingdom  j  for 


MEMOIR.  203 

which  she  felt  it  her  duty,  and  her  honor,  to  live ;  and  in 
living  for  which,  as  she  did — she  used  up  the  resources  ot 
her  constitution,  and  passed  away  to  her  rest. 

It  is  the  remark  of  a  distinguished  and  successful 
clergyman,  in  one  of  our  largest  cities,  speaking  ot 
the  ministry,  and  its  many  labors,  "  No  minister,  in 
any  of  our  cities  or  considerable  towns,  can,  at  this  day, 
meet  the  claims  of  a  people  upon  him,  in  the  pulpit,  and 
in  pastoral  offices,  together  with  all  public  duties,  and  sus- 
tain himself  through  a  protracted  period,  without  shorten- 
ing his  life."  So  a  clergyman's  wife  can  hardly  be  ex- 
pected to  enter  into  the  duties  of  her  station,  feeling  her 
responsibilities,  and  sympathizing  with  all  the  interests 
with  which  she  stands  connected,  without  experiencing 
some  tendencies  to  a  like  result.  Upon  a  minister,  and 
upon  a  minister's  wife,  every  one  has  a  claim ;  and  the 
aggregate  claim  of  all,  is  often  immensely  greater,  and 
more  wearing,  than  any  one  imagines.  "  A  minister's 
wife,"  said  Mrs.  Dimmick  to  a  friend,  soon  after  entering 
on  the  station,  "  needs  to  be  every  thing  that  is  good,  for 
every  good  thing  almost  is  expected  of  her." 


After  Mrs.  Dimmick's  departure,  several  friends,  in 
letters  of  sympathy,  expressed  their  estimate  of  her  char- 
acter. A  female  friend  bears  testimony  to  her  devoted- 
ness,  as  follows : 

"  I  have  attended  her  to  the  cottages  of  the  poor, 
and  witnessed  her  kind  endeavors  to  lead  them  to 
Him,  '  who  giveth  grace  and  glory.'  I  have  called  with 
her  on  the  opulent  and  gay ;  have  entered  with  her  the 
solemn  inquiry  meeting  ;  have  heard  her  fervent  appeals, 


204  MEMOIR. 

her  urgent  invitations  to  souls,  to  seek  Him  of  whom 
Moses  and  all  the  prophets  did  write.  Both  before  and 
after  these  calls,  I  have  seen  her  bend  before  the  mercy- 
seat,  and  humbly  plead  for  the  shedding  forth  of  the 
Spirit  upon  all  with  whom  she  held  intercourse. — Many 
good  things  have  I  known  her  to  originate  and  devise, 
and  thus  employ  her  happy,  versatile  genius,  in  quicken- 
ing and  drawing  forth  the  gracious  affections  and  ener- 
gies of  God's  children." 

Another  female  acquaintance  and  friend  says : 

"  f  I  mourn  her,  but  I  praise  her  not — 
Glory  to  God  be  given !  * 

"  I  have  long  considered  this  an  appropriate  motto  in 
/elation  to  the  dead,  whom  we  strongly  loved.  Yet  per- 
haps it  may  not  be  amiss  in  me  to  make  a  remark  in  the 
present  case ;  and  particularly  in  regard  to  what  always 
struck  me  very  forcibly  in  Mrs.  Dimmick's  character— I 
mean  her  versatility — not  partaking,  in  the  remotest  de- 
gree, of  fickleness  ;  but  the  power  of  changing  easily  her 
occupation  as  occasions  required,  without  being  thrown 
into  confusion  or  embarrassment.  This  trait  has  often 
impressed  me.  I  have  wondered  at  the  degree  in  which 
she  possessed  it,  and  at  what  it  enabled  her  to  accomplish. 
While  so  much  mental  power  was  given  to  the  canvassing 
of  deeper  subjects — so  much  to  reading  which  required 
close  application — while  so  many  and  various  parochial 
concerns  strongly  engaged  her  mind  and  heart — while 
her  family  received  its  rightful  and  elevated  share  of  her 
care  and  love — I  have  been  surprised  at  her  possession  of 
so  large  a  share  of  general  useful  knowledge— at  her 
familiarity  with  works  of  intellectual  taste  and  lighter 


MEMOIR 


205 


literature — at  her  unostentatious  exhibition  of  much  prac- 
tical taste  in  all  the  numerous  and  diverse  concerns  which 
came  within  the  sphere  of  her  action ;  and  all  these 
simultaneously  with  due  portions  of  polite  and  cordial  at- 
tention to  her  friends  and  acquaintances.  I  have  with 
equal  admiration  observed  that  real  sympathizing  sensi- 
bility, which  was  expanded  to  the  utmost  boundary  of 
human  suffering  with  which  she  was  acquainted,  and  even 
associated  itself  yet  more  vigorously  with  the  future,  eter- 
nal destiny  of  all  her  race,  whether  known  or  strangers. 
Considering  the  delicacy  of  her  physical  constitution,  I 
I  have  wondered  that  she  could  feel  and  accomplish  so 
much." 

Another  has  observed : 

"  In  reflecting  on  her  life,  it  has  appeared  to  me,  that, 
comparing  it  with  others,  it  was  distinguished  for  piety  ; 
that  her  influence  fell  like  the  dew,  noiseless,  yet  all-per- 
vading. She  had,  I  think,  a  brilliant  imagination,  con- 
nected with  a  great  deal  of  native  heroism  ;  which  last, 
however,  was  kept  rather  in  check  by  a  delicate  constitu- 
tion, and  a  lively  sense  of  what  was  lovely  and  feminine." 

In  other  letters  are  like  passages.  A  young  ministerial 
friend  remarks, — "  Shall  we  no  more  in  this  world  be- 
hold the  erect  form,  listen  to  the  cheerful  voice,  or  join 
in  the  sweet  converse,  of  the  firm,  consistent,  affectionate 
friend  and  Christian  1 " 

Another  friend  observed  :  "  You  have,  my  dear  sir, 
for  many  years,  been  eminently  blessed  in  your  ministe- 
rial labors,  with  the  sympathy  and  co-operation  of  one, 
who,  in  no  ordinary  measure,  afforded,  in  her  whole  life, 

18* 


206  MEMOIR. 

a  full  realization  of  the  term  *  help  meet '  for  a  Christian 
minister." 

Another,  a  ministerial  friend,  remarked  :  "  Few,  very 
few,  of  her  sex  ;  possessed  such  a  combination  of  excellen- 
cies, especially  for  a  minister's  wife,  as  Mrs.  Dimmick. 

Your  heavenly  Father  loaned  you  one  of  his 

best  gifts." 

One  other  testimony  of  this  kind  may  be  given.  It  is 
from  a  ministerial  friend,  who  passed  a  Sabbath  at  her 
house,  on  exchange  with  her  husband,  the  latter  part  of 
the  summer  of  1844 — about  four  months  previous  to  her 
decease. 

"I  could  not  fail,"  he  says,  "  to  observe  the  solemn 
Stillness  which  pervaded  her  house  during  the  whole  Sab- 
bath; a  stillness  that  comported  beautifully  with  the 
spirit  and  the  occupations  of  holy  time.  I  was  also  in> 
pressed  with  her  accurate  knowledge  of  the  wants  which 
a  preacher  feels  on  the  Sabbath.  She  appeared  to  know, 
without  any  intimation  on  my  part,  just  when  I  needed 
solitude,  and  when  society  would  be  agreeable ;  when  I 
should  be  inclined  to  hear  conversation,  and  when  to  con- 
verse myself.  She  knew  how  to  anticipate  my  wishes, 
and  to  make  the  arrangements  of  her  household  conduce 
to  the  comfort  of  the  preacher,  and  especially  to  his  fit- 
ness for  the  services  of  the  pulpit.  In  a  hundred  ways* 
each  too  minute  to  be  specified,  she  gave  evidence  of  the 
interest  she  took  in  the  duties  of  the  sacred  profession, 
and  of  the  thoughtfulness  which  she  habitually  exercised 
in  regard  to  the  proper  performance  of  those  duties.  She 
could  tell,  when  asked,  on  what  themes  it  were  best  to 
preach,  and  from  what  discussions  it  were  prudent  to  ab- 


MEMOIR.  207 

stain ;  what  incitements  to  duty  were  needed,  and  how  it 
were  advisable  to  administer  reproof  or  consolation. 

"  Nor  was  it  merely  for  the  parish  with  which  she  her- 
self was  connected,  that  she  manifested  an  intelligent  and 
Studious  regard.  She  had  evidently  thought  much  of  the 
general  state  of  the  churches,  their  dangers,  hopes  and 
prospects ;  of  the  best  methods  for  promoting  the  intel- 
lectual, moral  and  religious  welfare  of  this  and  other 
lands. 

"  She  was  a  discreet  woman  in  her  speech,  but  hesitat- 
ed not  to  express  her  decided  convictions,  whenever  the 
expression  of  them  could  be  useful.  In  fact,  she  seemed 
to  be  a  minister's  wife ;  to  be  living  for  the  church  of 
Christ ;  to  be  watchful  for  opportunities  of  doing  good  ; 
to  be  a  woman  of  deliberate  judgment,  of  forethought,  of 
wisdom,  of  constancy  in  friendship,  of  consistency  in  life, 
of  a  prudent,  uniform  and  persevering  zeal  in  the  ser- 
vice of  Him  for  whom  she  lived  on  earth,  and  in  whose 
presence,  I  trust,  she  still  lives  and  will  abide  forever. 

"  I-  shall  long  remember  her  circumspection,  good 
sense,  and  Christian  kindness,  as  evinced  in  my  interviews 
with  her  on  the  Sabbath  alluded  to ;  and  I  hope  that  her 
example  may  for  years  to  come  be  profitable  to  the  church 
and  community  with  which  she  was  connected." 


Some  more  special  tributes  to  the  memory  of  Mrs. 
Dimmick  were  offered  soon  after  her  departure.  The  fol- 
lowing was  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  William  Allen,  D.  D., 
of  Northampton.     It  appeared  in  the  Boston  Recorder 


208  MEMOIR. 

at  the  time,  and  is  here  slightly  amended  by  the  author's 
own  hand. 

On  the  Death  of  Mrs.  Catharine  M.   Dimmick:. 

[Mrs.  Dimmick  was  the  model  of  a  minister's  wife ;  a  cheerful, 
wise,  unwearied  toiler  in  the  same  good  work,  to  which  her  compan- 
ion has  long  been  devoted — that  of  promoting  the  kingdom  of  truth, 
and  holiness,  and  charity  on  the  earth.  Her  end  was  peace.  In  the 
following  lines,  a  selfish,  worldly,  unbelieving,  dying  woman,  may 
be  regarded  as  uttering  the  1st,  3d,  5th  and  7th  stanzas,  as  the  lan- 
guage of  unbelief  and  foreboding  fear ;  and  Mrs.  Dimmick  as  ut- 
tering the  2d,  4th,  6th,  and  8th  stanzas  in  response,  as  the  language 
of  faith,  and  triumph.] 

TO  DIE. 

1. 

To  die !  'tis  thought  of  gloom ! 
In  solitary  bark  to  leave  the  shore, 
And  all  earth's  glorious  things  to  see  no  more  ; 

My  harbor  in  the  tomb  ! 

2. 

To  die !  'tis  thought  of  joy ! 
My  guide-star  Bethlehem's  star  of  cloudless  light, 
Unimaged  wonders  breaking  on  my  sight ; 

My  haven  in  the  sky ! 

3. 

To  die!  'tis  fearful  thought! 
The  shroud,  the  coffin,  and  the  narrow  bed ; 
To  moulder  into  dust  with  all  the  dead  ; 

To  be  a  thing  of  nought ! 

4. 

To  die!  'tis  rapturous  thought! 
The  untrammell'd  spirit  mounting  to  a  throne, 
(The  crumbled  frame  built  up  at  last,)  life  won, 

Pure,  heavenly  bliss,  long  sought! 


MEMOIR.  209 

5. 

To  die  !    O  mournful  day ! 
Torn  from  the  friends  I  love— from  parent,  child, 
From  gladsome  husband — every  face  that  smiled ; 

To  greedy  worms  a  prey ! 


To  die !    O  glorious  day  ! 
To  join  the  bright,  blest  company  above, 
In  Jesus'  presence — with  the  God  of  love ; 

And  there  to  dwell  for  aye ! 

7. 

To  die!    O  dreadful  hour  ! 
Probation's  close,  and  yet  my  work  undone ; 
The  day  of  mercy  o'er — heaven's  good  unwon  ; 

Unsaved  from  evil  power ! 

8. 

To  die !    Most  welcome  hour  ! 
My  Saviour  come  ;  the  end  of  holy  strife  ; 
Pardon !  blood-bought  reward  !  the  crown  of  life  ! 

Sweet  joys  forevermore ! 


The  following  was  from  a  highly  esteemed  female  friend, 
between  whom  and  Mrs.  Dimmick  there  had  been  an  early 
and  continued  friendship,  and  who,  besides  the  lines  com- 
municated speaks  of  Mrs.  Dimmick  in  these  words  :  "  I 
have  ever  regarded  her  as  the  the  best  model  of  a  minis- 
ter's wife  within  the  circle  of  my  acquaintance." 

I  look  to  heaven,  and  joy  to  hail  thee, 
Safe  arrived  at  home.     Possessed  forever  there 
Of  a  blessed  mansion  in  thy  Father's  house 
Which  love  divine  prepared,  then  made  thee  meet 
To  dwell  therein.     Thou'lt  add  another  note 
Of  rapture  to  that  song,  in  ecstacy  now  felt 


210  MEMOIR. 

By  those  who  having  wandered  far 

From  Him  who  made  them,  and  that  claimed  their  love, 

Have  wept  o'er  sin,  and  in  perfection  full 

Known  what  it  is  to  be  redeemed  and  saved. 

The  hands,  that,  pierced  on  Calvary,  poured  forth 
For  thee  atoning  blood,  thy  woes  have  healed — 
Wiped  from  thine  eyes  all  tears,  and  thou  art  blessed; 
Blest  in  release  from  all  the  cares  and  woes 
None  fail  to  know  who  go  from  earth  to  heaven  ; 
Blest  in  full  vision  of  His  face,  whom  when 
Unseen  thou  lovedst ;  above  all  other  blessings, 
Blest  in  the  glorious  likeness  of  thy  God ! 

Many  with  joyous  welcomings  have  hailed 

Thy  coming,  who,  when  here  on  earth  enjoyed 

With  thee  the  fellowship  of  saints.     And  now, 

Blest  with  restored  communion,  sweet  and  holy, 

Together  ye  shall  look  into  the  height, 

And  length,  and  breadth,  and  depth,  of  love  unmeasured, 

Which  sought  thee  lost,  and  brought  thee  safely  Home. 


The  death  of  Mrs.  Dimmick  created  a  deep  sensation 
in  the  community  where  she  had  resided.  Her  funeral 
was  numerously  attended,  the  church  being  filled  with  a 
deeply  solemn  assembly.  The  following  lines,  by  a 
friend,  allude  to  the  scene. 

"  Not  lost,  but  gone  before" 

O  no,  it  cannot  be,  that  this  cold  clay, 

Is  all  that  was  our  friend  !     That  upturned  eye, 

And  marble  hand,  and  closed,  and  livid  lip, 

And  this  deep  silence,  tells  that  he,  whose  name 

Is  the  Destroyer,  has  been  busy  here, 

With  his  most  fearful  work.     His  hand  has  traced 

In  characters  most  legible  on  this  dear  form, 

The  lines  of  ruin,  and  the  time  has  come, 


MEMOIR.  211 

When  "  dust  to  dust,"  must  now  be  yielded  up. 

Well — let  it  be  so  !  Grave,  receive  thy  trust, 

We  yield  the  casket  to  thy  faithful  care, 

Now  that  the  precious  gem  it  lately  held, 

Has  been  secured  ;  and  as  our  weeping  eye 

Takes  the  last  look,  our  earnest  prayer  shall  be, 

Let  us  not  murmur,  but  in  faith  go  forth, 

And  hide  in  earth's  dark  chambers,  that  alone 

O'er  which  the  tyrant  could  have  any  power. 

But  Where's  the  gem  ?  where  that  immortal  mind, 

Imperishable,  and  never  dying — which  so  late 

Dwelt  in  this  prison  house  ?     Is  it  now  reset 

In  God's  own  diadem — shining  forth  above, 

Like  some  bright  star  of  wondrous  magnitude, 

Reflecting  forth  his  praise,  amid  the  ranks 

Of  heavenly  worshippers  ?     Is  the  spirit's  place, 

In  far  off  worlds, — or  regions,  so  remote 

From  our  dark  earth,  that  even  not  a  ray 

From  all  its  burning  glory,  can  descend 

To  light  our  darkness,  or  instruct  our  hearts 

About  the  joys  of  heaven  ?     Does  death  dissolve 

All  ties  of  Christian  fellowship,  and  break  the  chain 

Of  holy  union,  making  thus  a  void 

Between  the  church  above — and  that  below  ? 

Does  the  bright  vision  on  the  heavenly  plains, 

The  endless  anthem,  and  the  boundless  bliss 

Of  all  the  ransomed,  so  enchain  the  soul 

In  untold  rapture,  that  this  speck  of  earth 

Has  no  attractions,  and  its  dwellers  seem 

As  very  nothingness  ?     Away  the  thought, 

My  heart  forbid  its  entrance  !  well  I  know 

That  she,  who  loved  our  Zion — she  whose  heart 

Was  so  devoted  to  her  Master's  cause — 

She,  whose  ardent  prayers  so  often  had  gone  forth 

In  holy  wrestling,  and  whose  winning  voice, 

So  oft  had  plead  with  sinners,  to  repent 

And  come  to  Jesus,  cannot  yet  forget 

Her  field  of  labor.     Here,  she  toiled, 

And  wore  her  life  away,  in  hopes  to  raise 

Some  plants  for  heaven ;  and  when  her  hopes 

Were  oft  defeated — and  the  hardened  soul, 


212  MEMOIR. 

Turned  from  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  and  went 

In  paths  not  leading  to  the  Saviour — the  deep  pang, 

Drank  up  her  spirits,  shook  her  feeble  frame, 

And  sank  like  daggers  to  her  very  heart. 

She  feels  that  pang  no  more!   But  we  believe, 

Her  interest  is  not  lessened.    Though  her  will 

Is  all  absorbed  in  God's  most  holy  will, 

Still  she  remembers  Zion,  and  she  waits 

An  answer  to  her  prayers  ;  and  still 

Remembers  those,  who  gathered  once  to  ask 

The  way  to  heaven,  when  the  Spirit's  voice 

Had  spoken  to  their  conscience,  and  their  feet 

Had  almost  entered,  on  that  narrow  path, 

Which  leads  the  traveller,  onward — upward — home. 

Nor  is  that  little  nursery— the  Sabbath  School, 

Forgotten  by  its  leader;  well  she  loved, 

The  lambs  within  that  fold,  and  labored  long 

For  their  salvation,  and  on  them  she  placed 

Full  many  a  towering  hope ;  she  looked  to  see 

Them  giving  all  their  strength  in  future  days 

To  build  the  church  of  Christ ;  and  much  she  strove 

To  write  upon  their  memories,  those  living  truths, 

Which  God's  own  word  had  spoken — hoping  yet  to  reap 

The  harvest  of  her  labor,  and  behold 

Those  lambs  as  ransomed  by  a  Saviour's  blood. 

The  Choir  is  not  forgotten — those  who  lead 

In  God's  high  praises.     She  had  prayed 

Often  and  earnestly,  that  the  tuneful  band 

Whose  music  soothed  her  soul,  might  one  day  stand 

On  Sion's  mount,  and  strike  a  golden  harp, 

And  swell  the  song  of  victory,  to  Him 

Who  died  to  save  them,  and  who  lives  to  bless. 

There  's  no  disruption  of  the  sacred  tie 

Of  home  affection;  though  around  that  hearth, 

Nor  in  that  chamber,  will  her  pleasant  voice 

Be  heard  again,  yet  truly  we  believe 

That  spirits  freed  from  earth's  incumbrances, 

And  made  all  holy,  do  not  burst  away 

From  right  affections,  which  they  cherished  here. 

Death  cannot  touch  the  spirit,  it  but  wrecks 

The  mortal  dwelling,  that  the  unbound  soul, 


MEMOIR.  213 

Free  and  unfettered,  and  enlarged,  may  act 

In  its  own  sphere,  and  do  a  greater  work, 

For  God,  and  heaven,  and  souls,  than  it  could  do 

While  here  it  lingered.     She  yet  lives,  and  loves 

All  those  who  loved  the  Saviour,  and  the  household  band, 

If  found  in  Jesus,  surely  still  may  feel 

That  they  are  not  forgotten. 

****** 
But  see — the  mournful  crowd  are  gathering  round, 
To  take  the  farewell  look  !     Oh,  could  those  lips 
Now  sealed  in  silence,  speak  but  one  word  more ; 
One  word  to  each — what  would  its  import  be  ? 
*  Remember — there's  a  world  beyond  the  grave, 
Where  we  shall  meet  again ! '     God  grant 
This  parting  scene  be  not  in  vain  !     God  grant 
His  Holy  Spirit  now  may  come  and  bring 
The  long  sought  blessing.     May  the  hardened  heart 
Repent,  and  break ;  and  Christians,  waking  up 
From  their  long  slumbers,  feel  again  the  flame 
Of  love  and  holy  zeal ;  and  may  this  place, 
A  Bochim  now — be  soon  a  place  of  praise, 
Where  many  ransomed  ones  shall  come  to  raise 
Their  Ebenezer— and  a  strain  go  forth, 
Reaching  to  heaven,  so  that  seraph  harps 
Shall  love  to  join  the  melody,  and  she, 
The  lately  risen,  shall  bend  down  to  catch 
The  joyful  tidings,  from  the  angel  bands 
Who  watch  on  Zion,  that  in  her  loved  field 
Of  recent  labor,  sinners  are  redeemed — 
The  Saviour  honored — and  the  church  of  God 
Enlarged  and  purified. 


19 


214  MEMOIR. 


Over  the  grave  of  Mrs.  Dimmick  has  been  placed  a 
handsome  monument ;  on  the  front  of  which  is  the  in- 
scription following : 

MRS.  CATHARINE  M.  DIMMICK, 

WIFE    OF    REV.    L.    F.    DIMMICK, 

Born    at   Norwich,    Conn.,    January    27,    1793 ; 

Deceased  December  8,    1844, 

JEt.    51. 


Faithful  in  the  relations  of  life,  and  in  the  service  of  her  Redeemer. 

her  Memory  by  the  Lad 
Society,  NewburypoiL 


This  Monument  is  erected  to  her  Memory  by  the  Ladies  of  the  North  Church  and 

fbi 


On  the  left  side,  is  the  aspiration  with  which  she  en- 
tered   upon   the   duties   of   the    station    she    occupied ; 

"  [1820.]  I  EARNESTLY  IMPLORE  GRACE  TO  MAINTAIN 
CONSTANT    ACTIVITY    IN    THE    SERVICE    OF    CHRIST." 

On  the  right  side,  the  words   she  uttered  a  few  hours 
before  her  departure;    "  [1844,  Dec.  8.]     I  have  but 

ONE  REQUEST  TO  MAKE  ;  BRIGHT  VISIONS  OF  MY  SAVIOUR, 
AND  AS  SPEEDY  A  DEPARTURE  TO  HIS  PRESENCE  AS  HE 
CAN  CONSISTENTLY  GIVE  ME,  THROUGH  THE  RICHES  OF 
HIS    GRACE." 


I  u     Jl    IU/ 


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